SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- The Notre Dame Falcons dropped their fourth match in a row on Tuesday night, in a 3-0 setback against Malone. (Box)

The four game skid for Notre Dame (4-15) marks their third longest of the season. The victory for Malone (9-7) was their second after snapping a three game losing streak last Saturday. 

Notre Dame was ahead early in the first set, taking a 10-7 lead, before surrendering six consecutive points to the Pioneers.  Malone would lead by as many as six (19-13) in the opening set, and went on to take the set, 25-20.

Malone took control early on in the second set.  The Pioneers scored the first two points, and never trailed at any point during the set.  The Falcons were within four (17-13), when the Pioneers went on an 8-1 run to secure the set. 

NDC put up an incredible fight after falling behind in the third set.  The set was tied at 2-2, when Malone scored five straight points to take a 7-2 advantage.  Down 17-9, the Falcons came roaring back, and scored eight out of the next nine points to close the gap to one (18-17).  The Pioneers weathered NDC's incredible run, and came away with a 25-19 victory to take the set, and the match.

Brianne Schmansky led the way for NDC with seven kills, and hit .300 on the evening.  Tawnia Almaraz delivered a team high, 11 digs, and Chandler Mass added 17 assists.  

The Falcons are in action again on Friday, Oct. 12, when they host Urbana at Murphy Gymnasium.  The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.