BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Oakland University women's volleyball team opened its 2024 season with a hard-fought battle against the University at Buffalo, but fell, 3-1 (25-23, 25-13, 25-18, 25-22), tonight at Alumni Arena.

Set 1: OU 25, UB 23
Oakland attempted to set the tone of the match early with a 25-23 victory in the first set, displaying a balanced offensive attack led by senior middle blocker Ainsley Guse. Guse registered three kills on a .750 hitting percentage, as grad transfer Tyler Linkhart led the way with four kills, while setter Rachel Rossman orchestrated the offense with precision and tallied 11 assists in the set. The Golden Grizzlies showcased their defensive grit, holding off a late Buffalo surge to claim the opening frame.

Set 2: UB 25, OU 13
Buffalo came out determined in the second set and capitalized on key plays to edge Oakland, 25-22. Despite two timely, early kills from Gentry Brown, the Golden Grizzlies were unable to overcome the Bulls' momentum. Buffalo's Mandy Leigh notched several assists and delivered a kill to secure the set, as Buffalo tallied the final five points to even the match at one set apiece.

Set 3: UB 25, OU 18
The third set saw Buffalo go ahead by a set as it claimed a 25-18 victory. Oakland's defense was tested by Buffalo's aggressive play, particularly from outside hitter Katrin Trebichavska, who led the Bulls with six kills and three service aces. The Golden Grizzlies fought back, with contributions from Tyler Linkhart and Christina Bohm, but the Bulls' attack proved too much, giving it a 2-1 lead in the match.

Set 4: UB 25, OU 22
In the final set, Oakland battled valiantly but ultimately fell, 25-22. Libby Smith and Ainsley Guse provided crucial points down the stretch, while Rossman continued to distribute effectively, finishing with a team-high 36 assists, as Emily Wichmann led the game with 20 digs. However, Buffalo's remained in its groove and held its own as the Golden Grizzlies fell, three sets to one.

Key Performances:
●      Ainsley Guse: Nine kills, .412 hitting percentage
●      Tyler Linkhart: 11 kills, .200 hitting percentage
●      Rachel Rossman: 36 assists, Nine digs
●      Emily Wichmann: Two service aces, 20 digs
●      Katrin Trebichavska (Buffalo): 14 kills, Four service aces

Up Next:
Oakland will return to action tomorrow and look to bounce back as it's set to face Army at the Buffalo Invite with first serve set for 2:00 p.m. ET.