BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Oakland University's volleyball team wrapped up its preseason on the road and fell to Bowling Green in three sets (25-16, 25-19, 25-16) at the Stroh Center this afternoon.

Despite a valiant effort, the Golden Grizzlies struggled to find its rhythm against a strong Falcons squad. Sophomore outside hitter Gentry Brown led Oakland with six kills, while Ainsley Guse added five.

The first few points were traded between the two teams to set a fast paced set, but the Falcons had answers and kept ahead. The closest the set got was 8-7, in favor of Bowling Green, before the Falcons held a lead throughout the remainder of the set. Bowling Green kept with the pace as Oakland found itself down by nine late before the Falcons closed out the set, 25-16.

In the second set, Oakland battled throughout as the set was tight-knit throughout. A Christina Bohm kill knotted things up at 15 each, but the Falcons rattled off five-straight points to build its lead. An attack error brought the run to a halt as Oakland closed the gap to 22-19. Bowling Green didn't let up another point, however, and went on to take set two, 25-19.

Just like the first set, the third set teetered back-and-forth where Oakland jumped to a 6-4 lead as the Golden Grizzlies held on to the lead until the Falcons went on a 4-0 run to push ahead, 9-8. The Falcons continued on as it didn't let up its lead for the remainder of the set as it closed out the exhibition game, 25-16.

Defensively, senior libero Emily Wichmann anchored the team with 20 digs. However, the Golden Grizzlies faced difficulties at the net, as Bowling Green's block and strong offensive play limited Oakland's opportunities.

The volleyball team officially opens the season Friday (Aug. 30) against the University of Buffalo at the Buffalo Invite. First serve is set for 6:00 p.m. ET.