BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Oakland University Golden Grizzlies closed out the Buffalo Invite with a sweep against Hampton University (25-13, 25-18, 25-14) for its first win of the season this afternoon at Alumni Arena.
SET 1: Oakland 25, Hampton 13
Oakland came out strong, establishing an early lead with aggressive serves and sharp attacks. Sophomore outside hitter
Gentry Brown was the star of the first set, recording four of her match-high 13 kills. The Golden Grizzlies took advantage of Hampton's attack errors, with Hampton struggling to find its rhythm. Oakland's middle blocker,
Ainsley Guse, contributed crucial blocks that stifled Hampton's offense, ending the set with a comfortable 25-13 win.
The Golden Grizzlies' defense, led by libero
Emily Wichmann, was stellar, allowing only 13 points while picking up a trio of digs and providing consistent serve reception that enabled Oakland to control the tempo.
SET 2: Oakland 25, Hampton 18
The second set began more competitively, with Hampton adjusting their attack and tightening their defense. However, Oakland quickly regained control thanks to key contributions from multiple players.
Tyler Linkhart stepped up, adding four kills, while Guse continued her dominance at the net, finishing the set with three kills on a .333 hitting percentage.
Oakland's serving was also a difference-maker, as the Golden Grizzlies tallied three service aces in this set alone. Hampton struggled to handle Oakland's powerful serves, which allowed Oakland to capitalize on free balls and transition opportunities. Despite a brief rally from Hampton, Oakland closed out the set 25-18.
SET 3: Oakland 25, Hampton 14
Oakland entered the third set determined to close out the match in style. The Grizzlies quickly built an eight-point lead thanks to a combination of strong serving and a series of errors from Hampton.
Gentry Brown and
Ainsley Guse continued to shine, with Brown adding two kills and Guse dominating with a solo block and a pair of block assists. Oakland's blocking was particularly effective in the third set, as they shut down Hampton's attack, leading to a 25-14 win and a sweep of the match.
Key Stats:
The Golden Grizzlies volleyball team are back in action Friday (Sept. 6) as it makes the short drive to Ypsilanti, Mich., for the Eastern Michigan University Tournament. Oakland is set to open the tournament against George Washington University with first set slated for 11:00 a.m. ET.
