Oct. 31, 2009
Box Score
VALPARAISO, Ind. - Freshman Meghan Bray set a new school record with a 30-kill performance, hitting .274, and freshman Brittany Holbrook added a 15-kill performance, but it was not enough for the Oakland University volleyball team (16-7) as the Golden Grizzlies dropped a 3-2 heartbreaker to Valparaiso (18-8) on Saturday.
The 30 kills mark the highest total of the rally-scoring era, and tie the Oakland University all-time record, set by Karen Ill against Northwood on October 6, 1995.
"Meghan Bray turned in one of the single best offensive performances I have ever seen as a coach," said Oakland coach Rob Beam. "While an opportunity to win a non-conference match slipped through our grasp, we are going to use this experience to build forward."
Oakland raced ahead to a 2-0 match lead after a 26-24 win in the opening set and a 25-18 win in set two, but Valpo charged back with a 25-22 win in the third set and a 25-21 win in the fourth. The Crusaders took a 15-6 win in the final set to seal the match victory. OU hit .341 in the opening set and .317 in the second set, but could not get over .200 in the final three sets.
Sophomore Ashley Nevelle dished out a match-high 51 assists, while junior Alli Kirk added a match-high 22 digs. Bray added 10 digs, while junior Brittany Dunn added 11. Sophomore Jenna Lange led the OU blocking effort with five block assists.
The Golden Grizzlies will return to action Friday, Nov. 6, as the Golden Grizzlies travel to Macomb, Ill. to face Western Illinois. A 7 p.m. match is scheduled.
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