ROCHESTER, Mich. - In an intense match, the Golden Grizzlies volleyball team came away with a win, 3-2, against the Robert Morris Colonials this afternoon from the OU Credit Union O'Rena.

SET ONE: OAKLAND 25, ROBERT MORRIS 21
Both teams started with energy and momentum, as Oakland aimed to build on its victory from the previous night, while Robert Morris sought to bounce back from its loss. Ultimately, Oakland took a four-point lead with a score of 10-6, forcing Robert Morris to call a timeout.

OU maintained its lead in the first set, fueled by five kills from Tyler Linkhart and three from Olivia Rust. However, Robert Morris came back towards the end of the set with a one-point difference that led to intense back-and-forth play. Despite the Colonials' determination, Oakland finished the first set strong and won, 25-21.

SET TWO: OAKLAND 18, ROBERT MORRIS 25
The Golden Grizzlies struggled to maintain its momentum from set one, despite their teamwork and determination, as they fell behind early as the Colonials led by 10 points.

Key players Linkhart and Ansley Guise made noteworthy contributions, particularly in serves and kills, but as the set progressed, the intensity escalated. The Golden Grizzlies tightened its defense and attempted to launch counterattacks; however, they were unable to fully close the gap. Ultimately, the Golden Grizzlies were unable to secure the set, finishing with a score of 25-18, as the match was even at one after two.

SET THREE: OAKLAND 25, ROBERT MORRIS 14
The Golden Grizzlies opened the third set with restored energy, eager to bounce back after the previous set. Early on, they established a solid lead, demonstrating strong offensive plays and effective communication on the court. Standout performances included Gentry Brown with three kills and a service ace by Emily Wichmann, prompting RMU to call a timeout.

As the set progressed, the Golden Grizzlies worked together fiercely to maintain their lead over the Colonials. Robert Morris worked hard to come back, however, the Golden Grizzlies maintained their composure and ultimately secured the set, 25-14.

SET FOUR: OAKLAND 15, ROBERT MORRIS 25
Set four began as an intense back-and-forth set between the two teams, as the score was tied in the beginning, 7-7. However, Oakland quickly took the lead thanks to strong offensive kills and communication. Oakland kept its momentum, however, Robert Morris kept the game in close reach. Halfway through the set, the score was 13-11, with the Colonials in the lead. Oakland's defense was effective with many blocks, but Robert Morris continued to lead the set and ultimately won, 25-15.

SET FIVE: OAKLAND 16, ROBERT MORRIS 14
Oakland and Robert Morris started the final set with a tie match, but the tie was quickly broken by OU with a kill by Brown and a block by Guse, edging out the Colonials, 8-7, midway through the final set. The set was tied, 12-12, nearing the conclusion of the fifth set, as Oakland's front row proved to be unstoppable, delivering key blocks and kills that put them ahead. Despite Robert Morris' efforts to come back, the Golden Grizzlies secured the win with a final score of 16-14 in the fifth and final set.


At the match's conclusion, Linkhart led the Golden Grizzlies in kills with 13, and Emily Wichmann led Oakland with 20 digs. Additionally, Rachel Rossman had the most assists for the Golden Grizzlies with 49 in the match.

Next, the Golden Grizzlies will go travel to Purdue Fort Wayne for its first Horizon League road series, as it takes on the Mastodons both Friday (Oct. 11) and Saturday (Oct. 12), with both games streaming live on ESPN+.