Sept. 2, 2011

Box Score

| Post Match Interview

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Alissa Valentine had 47 assists and Meghan Bray led the team with 15 kills, as the Oakland University volleyball team (3-2) gutted out a five-set victory over Central Michigan (1-3) Friday night in the Athletics Center O'rena. The Golden Grizzlies took the match with set scores of 25-18, 26-24, 18-25, 21-25, 15-12.

"This was a fantastic match and a big win for us," said head coach Rob Beam. "I think I am most proud of the fact that we matched Central Michigan swing-for-swing and kill- for-kill."

The deciding set was dominated by the Oakland front line, which posted six kills to help Oakland jump out to a 9-6 lead. The Chippewas closed to within 9-8, but Katie Horling killed the ball to give OU a 10-8 lead and stop the rally. The Grizzlies stretched the lead to 12-8 before eventually winning the set 15-12 to claim the victory.

The Golden Grizzlies took an early lead, winning the first set 25-18, after jumping out to a 17-10 lead behind the strong hitting of Bray and Brittany Holbrook. The Oakland duo combined for 11 kills in the set.

The second set was tight, before OU separated to take a 22-18 lead. However, Kaitlyn McIntyre served up two aces in the next four points and tied the set at 22-22. Bray put Oakland back in front getting the last two kills to win the game.

Central Michigan fought back to win the third set 25-19 without trailing in the set. The Chippewas took an early lead in the fourth set, capitalizing on Oakland errors and the strong play of McIntyre. The Black and Gold fought back with middle hitters Allison Bell and Horling leading the charge to keep the set close, but the Chippewas were too strong and tied the match with the 25-21 set win.

"We have already shown a lot of courage this season," said Beam. "We have had many players step up this year and our depth really came through when we needed it."

Oakland returns to action Saturday in the final match of the Golden Grizzlies Invitational, taking on Wright State at 7 p.m. in the O'rena. Central Michigan and Wright State will play at noon.

Live stats are available for all matches. Fans can also watch live video streaming of all tournament matches, with the purchase of an All-Access Player pass, available at OUGrizzlies.com.

-OAKLAND-