Sept. 13, 2013

Box Score

NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Jessica Dood recorded nine kills with a .571 hitting percentage and Mary Grassano finished with 10 digs as the Oakland volleyball team (4-5) dropped the opening match of the Shamrock Invitational to Auburn (8-1), in three sets, Friday night. The Golden Grizzlies fell with set scores of 25-8, 27-25 and 25-17.

"Auburn was extremely skilled and athletic and they were able to take us out of what we wanted to do offensively," said coach Rob Beam. "But on our side there were lots of opportunities to make plays and compete harder defensively. We expect a better effort and will work toward those corrections tomorrow."

In the opening set, Auburn used a 12-point run in the middle of the set to earn the victory as they kept the Golden Grizzlies to only four kills in the set. OU trailed by as many as six points in the second set but battled back to tie the set at 20-20. The teams battled back and forth until a set score of 25-25 then the Tigers scored the final two points as Courtney McDonald earned the final kill for the 27-25 victory.

In the final set, Auburn used 20 kills and a .613 hitting percentage to win the final set 25-17 despite the Golden Grizzlies earning 12 kills on only two hitting errors.

Ciara Schultz led the team with 12 assists while Cassie Pelloni added six kills.

The Golden Grizzlies will be back on the court for the final day of the Shamrock Invitational on Saturday when they take on Notre Dame starting at 1 p.m. ET and Loyola at 5 p.m. ET.

#FightOakland