ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies volleyball team fell, 3-1, against Cleveland State tonight from the OU Credit Union O'Rena.

SET ONE: OAKLAND 22, CLEVELAND STATE 25
After the previous victory last Saturday, Oakland was ready to welcome a new team to the OU Credit Union O'rena this season from Cleveland, Ohio. Oakland started the game with intensity, however, Cleveland State led the first set by five, despite their efforts. 

The Golden Grizzlies put an end to Cleveland State's run with well-timed attacks from key players Tyler Linkhart with three kills and Ainsley Guse and Lillian Frias with two kills, who ultimately, kept the set within reach for the Golden Grizzlies. However, they were unable to fully close the gap. Ultimately, the Golden Grizzlies couldn't secure the set, finishing with a score of 25-22.

SET TWO: OAKLAND 25, CLEVELAND STATE 23
The Golden Grizzlies opened the second set with restored energy, eager to bounce back after the previous set. It was an intense back and forth early on in the set, with a tie score 7-7 early on. The Golden Grizzlies demonstrated strong offensive plays and effective communication on the blacktop, however, they fell behind as the Vikings took the lead, making the score 15-13 in the middle of the set. 

As the set progressed, the intensity escalated, but OU maintained their composure, tying the set 18-18. Libby Smith made significant contributions with a total of six kills and Linkhart maintained her efforts from the previous set with six kills for OU. These key players sealed the second set for Oakland, 25-23.

SET THREE: OAKLAND 19, CLEVELAND STATE 25
With both teams each winning a set, the third set began with intensity and determination. Oakland started strong, with Gentry Brown and Smith powering through Cleveland's defense to establish an early three point lead, 8-5. The Vikings fought back with resilience, closing the gap and putting them ahead by three in the middle of the set. 

As the set progressed, the Golden Grizzlies worked together to come back as Cleveland State continued to take the lead, 21-15. However, Cleveland State ultimately secured the set, 25-19.

SET FOUR: OAKLAND 22, CLEVELAND STATE 25
Cleveland briefly led the beginning of the fourth set, however, Oakland quickly came back with consistent attacks from Linkhart and Frias as well as two service aces from Linkhart. Thanks to these key players, OU took the lead, 7-5. The set maintained a tie until Oakland widened the gap thanks to late kills made by Elin Schott and Smith. Despite Oakland's efforts, Cleveland secured the set 25-22 and ultimately won the match, 3-1.


At the match's conclusion, Schott led the Golden Grizzlies in kills with 13, and Emily Wichmann led Oakland with 32 digs. Additionally, Rachel Rossman had the most assists for the Golden Grizzlies with 27 in the match.

Next, the Golden Grizzlies will travel to Youngstown, Ohio to play against Youngstown State University both Friday (Nov. 1) and Saturday (Nov. 2), with both games streaming live on ESPN+.