Golden Grizzlies and Penguins Set for #HLVB Showdown

ROCHESTER, Mich. – Oakland University Volleyball continues #HLVB play on Tuesday, September 27 in Youngstown, Ohio to play the Penguins at 7:00 p.m. in the Beeghly Center.

Following a 1-2 conference play week last week that featured a four-set win over Robert Morris followed by two home losses to Northern Kentucky and Wright State, the Golden Grizzlies await the Penguins with a 19-4 historic record in favor of OU.

Patti Cesarini, Clarke Adams, and Libby Gentile spearhead the way in the kill category for Oakland with 205, 131, and 125 kills, respectively. Jessica Riedl has been a stalwart in the front row with 25 blocks on the year just ahead of Gentile with 24. Rounding out the defensive efforts are Emily Wichmann and Cesarini with 288 and 145 digs, respectively.

WIth an average of 3.60 kills per set, Cesarini is second in the Horizon League in kills while Wichmann is second overall in digs.

SCOUTING REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN STATE
The Penguins post a 0-3 conference record with losses against Cleveland State, Milwaukee, and Green Bay as part of a four game losing streak that stems back to Kent State on September 16.

Paula Gurschling leads the Guins in kills with 258 on the year, above and beyond the next closest in Josi Borum with 103. Two individuals, Borum and Isabel Schaefbauer, lead in assists with 270 and 249, respectively.

START YOUR MVP CHANTS
Riedl was named the Kent State Invitational MVP following 21 kills and seven block assists as Oakland went a team-best 2-1 in the event.

OAKLAND SIXTH IN PRESEASON POLL
The Golden Grizzlies earned 51 points in the 2022 #HLVB Preseason Coaches Poll for sixth place. Northern Kentucky is predicted to be the champion with 96 points and six first-place votes.

RICE NAMED HEAD COACH
In March of 2022, Oakland welcomed Krista Rice as Head Coach of the Golden Grizzlies after a stint as Associate Head Coach at Central Michigan. Rice then filled out her staff with Kyle Stahl of Western Michigan and Rick Wootten-Smith already at Oakland.

THREE NEW FACES
Oakland adds three freshmen to the fold in a new era of Golden Grizzlies volleyball in Lyse Bates, Rachel Rossman, and Anika Prisby.

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Players Mentioned

#17 Clarke Adams: OH; 5' 9"; Sophomore

#21 Patti Cesarini: OH; 5' 11"; Redshirt Sophomore

#12 Libby Smith: MB; 6' 0"; Redshirt Sophomore

#14 Jessica Riedl: MB; 6' 0"; Graduate Student

#6 Emily Wichmann: DS/L; 5' 3"; Sophomore

#2 Lyse Bates: DS/L; Freshman

#16 Anika Prisby: MB; Freshman

#9 Rachel Rossman: S; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#17 Clarke Adams
: 5' 9"; Sophomore
: OH

#21 Patti Cesarini
: 5' 11"; Redshirt Sophomore
: OH

#12 Libby Smith
: 6' 0"; Redshirt Sophomore
: MB

#14 Jessica Riedl
: 6' 0"; Graduate Student
: MB

#6 Emily Wichmann
: 5' 3"; Sophomore
: DS/L

#2 Lyse Bates
: Freshman
: DS/L

#16 Anika Prisby
: Freshman
: MB

#9 Rachel Rossman
: Freshman
: S