Sept. 26, 2009
Final Stats
TULSA, Okla. - Sophomore Jenna Lange turned in a career day, notching 22 kills with just one attack error, hitting .467 to lead the Oakland University volleyball team (11-2, 5-1 Summit League) rallied to win a 3-2 decision over Oral Roberts (6-7, 2-3 Summit League) on Saturday at the Aerobics Center.
Oral Roberts won the opening two sets 27-25 and 25-16 before Oakland came back, winning the third and fourth sets by 25-22 scores. Oakland responded with a hard-fought, 20-18 victory in the fifth and final set to seal the win.
"This was a thrilling match, both teams played very well," said Oakland University head coach Rob Beam. "For a team with this much youth to come back against a fine team like ORU is something special. It speaks to their character and their belief in each other."
In the third set, the Golden Eagles held a 13-10 lead, but Oakland rallied back and knotted the match at 15-15. Both teams traded points until Oakland was able to claim the victory. Four players landed in double-digit kills, as Adrienne Leone (15 kills), Brittany Holbrook (15 kills), and Meghan Bray (13 kills) all tallied double-digits. Sophomore Ashley Nevelle dished out 51 assists, while junior Brittany Dunn led OU with 17 digs. Nevelle added 15 digs, while Leone and freshman Alli Kirk added 10 digs.
"There were many great individual performances, but the one that really stands out was Jenna's. To manage 45 swings as a middle and record 22 kills is outstanding." In addition, Leone, whose 15 kills puts her at 1,006 career kills. That total marks the highest total in the rally-scoring and Division I eras for Oakland, surpassing the mark of 1,004 set by Tess Pierce from 1998-2001.
"I also want to salute Adrienne for becoming the all-time, Division I-era kills leader at Oakland University. Her accomplishment is remarkable because it speaks to her high level of play over four seasons. I am very proud of her."
Oakland will return to action on Friday, Oct. 2, as IPFW travels to the Athletics Center O'Rena for a Summit League match. The match is slated for a 7 p.m. start.
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