ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies volleyball team came out on top on senior day with a sweep against IU Indy, 3-0, this afternoon inside the OU Credit Union O'rena.

SET ONE - OAKLAND 25, IU INDY 19
Oakland started strong, with Tyler Linkhart and Libby Smith powering through IU Indy's defense to give the team an early edge. The Jaguars hitters posed a challenge with their quick attacks, but Oakland responded with a steady defensive presence led by Emily Wichmann, who notched multiple digs in the opening set. As the set neared its conclusion, Smith delivered a crucial kill from a perfectly timed set by Rachel Rossman, followed by an attack error from IU Indy, to seal the opening set for Oakland, 25-20.

SET TWO - OAKLAND 25, IU INDY 16
IU Indy came out determined in the second set, with Elle Patterson and Grace Purichia coordinating effective attacks. However, Gentry Brown and Lillian Frias found the rhythm to hold the set within reach, as the Golden Grizzlies eventually surged ahead. The Jaguars looked to claw back, with three-straight points, but another kill from Smith sparked a 4-0 run to bring up set point for Oakland.

The Jaguars put an end to the run with a quick point, but Smith closed out set two with her sixth kill of the middle frame to put Oakland one away from sweeping the match.

SET THREE - OAKLAND 25, IU INDY 22
The final set saw a back-and-forth battle, with IU Indy briefly leading early. Oakland countered with consistent attacks from Sydney Green and strong assists by Stern, rallying back to close in on IU Indy. The Jaguars looked like they were going to force a fourth set, up 21-16, but a kill from Linkhart ignited a crucial run for the Golden Grizzlies.

Down five, Oakland rallied for an impressive 8-0 run to go from down 21-16, to leading 24-21. The run consisted of four kills, a pair of aces and two errors from the Jaguars to put Oakland one point away from sealing the set. IU Indy tallied one more point, to make it 24-22, but a misstep and a bad set sealed the set and the match for Oakland for the sweep.


A pair of Golden Grizzlies led the team in kills with 12, as Smith and Linkhart hit at a .360 and .409 clip, respectively. Smith also led the team with a pair of aces as she recorded a solo block and block assist, as Frias paced the team with three block assists.

The Golden Grizzlies return back home Tuesday (Oct. 29) as it'll take on Cleveland State. First serve from the OU Credit Union O'rena is slated for 6:00 p.m. ET, and will be streamed live on ESPN+.