Box Score

UIC Box Score
CHICAGO, Ill. -​ Amanda Baker registered 10 blocks (eight assists, two solo) - good for ninth in team history - while Cassie Pelloni led three Oakland players in double figures for kills as the Golden Grizzlies rallied from a rough first-set setback to defeat UIC in four, 14-25, 26-24, 25-21, 25-21.

"Our team fought hard against a very tough UIC squad," Oakland head coach Rob Beam said. "The players displayed courage in their response to a slow start and they handled our tactical adjustments well. It was also a huge benefit to have such a supportive gym with all of our families and friends there."

Pelloni led the Golden Grizzlies with 15 kills, while Jessica Dood added 11 and Melissa Deatsch tallied 10 in the win. Baker added seven kills, hitting .385 along the way.

Oakland (17-9, 9-2 HL) won their fifth consecutive match by recovering from a slow start thanks to solid offense and defense. After hitting -.030 in the first set, the Golden Grizzlies settled down to hit .247 in the final three sets. Oakland also put up a season-best 16.0 blocks as a team; along with Baker's effort, Dood added eight blocks (six assists, two solo).

The Golden Grizzlies turned the corner in the second set. Trailing the Flames 21-17, Pelloni connected on three consecutive kills in a five-point streak to take the lead. From there, the teams battled back and forth until UIC was serving match point. Oakland responded with the set's final three points: Dood had two kills and a block assist to sent the match into the break tied at 1-1.

Taylor Humm had a match-best 16 digs, while Ciara Schultz tallied 44 of Oakland's 48 assists.

UIC (12-15, 6-6) was paced by Stephenee Yancy's 18 kills.

Oakland returns to the court Saturday, Nov. 8 when the Golden Grizzlies face Valparaiso at 4 p.m. CT in the final regular season road match of the year.

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