CHICAGO, Ill. - In the first of three matches the program will play over two days in the Chicago Classic, the Oakland Golden Grizzlies were defeated by the Lindenwood Lions, 3-2, in their season-opener on Friday, August 25 at Credit Union 1 Arena.

Lindenwood won the first two sets, 25-19 and 29-27, before the Golden Grizzlies won the next two, 25-14 and 25-22, sending things the distance.

Using a late three-point run to extend their lead to 11-7, the Lions were able to hang on and take the decisive fifth set, 15-11.

Senior outside hitter Patti Cesarini paced Oakland with 15 kills, while junior Christina Bohm had four blocks and libero Emily Wichmann, another junior, led all players with 26 digs.

Rebecca Janke, a senior from Rolla, Missouri, tallied 16 kills for Lindenwood and fifth-year senior Allie Otten racked up a match-best 35 assists.

The middle of their three matches in the Chicago Classic, the Golden Grizzlies will return to the floor at 8 p.m. on Friday to battle the host UIC Flames, who previously competed in the Horizon League and are now beginning their second year in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC).

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