Aug. 28, 2009
Box Score
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Senior Adrienne Leone turned in a 15-kill performance, while sophomore Ashley Nevelle dished out a match-high 28 assists and junior Brittany Dunn added 25 digs as the Oakland University volleyball team (1-0) opened its 2009 season with a 3-0 win over tournament host West Virginia on day one of the West Virginia University Classic.
The Golden Grizzlies claimed a 25-20 win in the opening set, winning 25-19 in the second and then icing the match with a 25-23 win in the third set. The win marked OU's first-ever win over a program from the BIG EAST Conference.
"This was a great first match for our team," said OU head volleyball coach Rob Beam. "Our veterans provided leadership through their play and their presence on the court. Adrienne (Leone) was the physical presence we needed, and Brittany (Dunn) provided us with steady ball control."
The two teams battled in the opening set, with the score tied at 6-6 before Oakland pushed its lead to 14-10 after a kill by Leone. However, the Mountaineers narrowed the gap to 17-16 after a service error. WVU once more got within one (18-17), but the Golden Grizzlies managed to widen the gap and seal the victory in the opening set with a pair of points after a kill by freshman Meghan Bray and an attack error by WVU.
In the second set, the Golden Grizzlies raced out to an 18-8 lead before the Mountaineers strung together six consecutive points to pull to within 18-14. However, both teams traded three-point swings shortly after before the Golden Grizzlies polished off set two.
The third set was highly-competitive, with both teams tied at 23; however, Leone polished off the set and the match with a pair of consecutive kills.
"I was also pleased with the contributions of our newcomers," added Beam. "Ashley (Nevelle) ran our offense really well, Meghan (Bray) provided ball control and additional offense, and Alli Kirk passed consistently. It was also great to get our middles involved. Jenna Lange and Allison Bell both did a great job on offense and in blocking."
Oakland held a .190 to .049 advantage in hitting percentage, with OU hitting a match-best .208 in the third and final set. Leone hit .268, while Bell hit .455 with five kills on 11 swings. Bell led OU with six block assists, while Leone added four.
Oakland will resume play at the West Virginia University Classic with a pair of Saturday matches, opening play at 11 a.m. against St. Francis (Pa.) before closing the day against Towson at 4:30 p.m.
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