BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Golden Grizzlies fought hard against Army but fell in a five-set match (25-23, 19-25, 25-18, 28-30, 11-15) this afternoon in day two of the Buffalo Invite.
SET 1: OU 25, AWP 23
The opening set set the tone for what would be a fiercely contested match. Oakland started strong, with graduate student
Tyler Linkhart making an immediate impact. Linkhart, who would go on to lead the team with 21 kills, showcased her offensive prowess early on, hammering down several key kills that kept Oakland within striking distance. The set was characterized by frequent lead changes and ties, with both teams battling to gain control.
Defensively, Oakland was anchored by libero
Emily Wichmann, whose quick reflexes and solid passing provided the foundation for Oakland's offensive plays.
Gentry Brown and
Ainsley Guse were also formidable at the net, combining for several blocks that stifled Army's attacks. The Golden Grizzlies capitalized on a few late errors by Army and edged out the Black Knights, 25-23, in the first set.
SET 2: OU 19, AWP 25
The second set was filled with high-intensity rallies and nail-biting moments. Oakland found itself in another tightly contested battle as both teams refused to give an inch.
Rachel Rossman continued her outstanding playmaking, distributing the ball effectively across the court.
Christina Bohm emerged as a key contributor, adding to her kill tally and putting pressure on Army's defense. Bohm, who would finish the match with seven kills, delivered several clutch points that kept Oakland in the game. Oakland had multiple opportunities to get back close in the the set, but Army's resilience was on full display. The Black Knights managed to fend off Oakland and evened the match at one apiece
SET 3: OU 25, AWP 18
Oakland came out with renewed energy in the third set as the Golden Grizzlies dominated from the outset to take an early lead. Wichmann continued to be a a key piece to the defense as she racked up digs and ensured that Army's attacks were met with strong resistance. Oakland's blocking game also came alive, with Brown and Guse leading the charge. Their presence at the net was instrumental in disrupting Army's rhythm, leading to several key points for Oakland.
Offensively, Linkhart and Bohm were relentless, consistently finding gaps in Army's defense and converting Rossman's sets into points.
Libby Smith also made significant contributions, adding to her kill total and providing a balanced attack for Oakland. The Golden Grizzlies maintained its focus throughout the set, securing a convincing 25-18 win and putting itself ahead in the match.
SET 4: OU 28, AWP 30
The fourth set was the epitome of a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to pull away for long. The set featured numerous lead changes and ties, as both teams fought tooth and nail to gain an advantage. Oakland's offense continued to click, with Rossman expertly managing the distribution of sets. Smith, Brown, and Bohm all played pivotal roles, delivering crucial kills that kept the Golden Grizzlies in contention.
As the set reached its climax, the pressure mounted, and the intensity of the match reached new heights. Oakland faced multiple set points but displayed remarkable composure, fighting off Army's attempts to close out the set. Wichmann's defensive efforts were critical, as she kept several rallies alive with her tenacious digging. However, in the end, a few unforced errors allowed Army to edge out a 30-28 victory in a heart-pounding conclusion to the set.
SET 5: OU 11, AWP 15
The fifth set began with Oakland showing its fighting spirit, with Brown and Guse once again making their presence felt at the net. Rossman continued to facilitate the offense, setting up Linkhart and Smith for key points. The Golden Grizzlies managed to keep the score close, with the teams exchanging points in the early stages.
As the set progressed, Army took advantage of a few critical errors by Oakland to pull ahead. Despite the Golden Grizzlies' best efforts, which included strong serving from Wichmann and a valiant defensive stand, Army managed to hold on and close out the set 15-11, sealing the match.
Final Stats:
The Golden Grizzlies close out the Buffalo Invite as it's set to face Hampton tomorrow, with first set slated for 11:00 a.m. ET.
