ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies volleyball team fell in its home opener against Sacramento State, 3-0, tonight inside the OU Credit Union O'rena.
 
SET ONE: OAKLAND 20, SACRAMENTO ST. 25

In a back-and-forth first set, Oakland pushed Sacramento State to the limit but ultimately fell, 25-20. The set was tight early, with both teams trading errors and kills. The Golden Grizzlies opened up the scoring on a Hornets attack error as Oakland capitalized on service errors from Sacramento State to stay ahead. Tyler Linkhart and Gentry Brown each delivered critical kills, and a defensive block from Sydney Green and Ainsley Guse kept the match close.

Despite Oakland's efforts, including kills by Christina Bohm and solid play from Delaney Stern, Sacramento State rallied late and a 5-0 run put the team ahead. A few attack errors, along with a few kills from the Hornets offense, saw the team pull ahead and take the first set.
 
SET TWO: OAKLAND 23, SACRAMENTO ST. 25

The second set saw another intense battle, but Oakland was eventually edged out, 25-23. Oakland opened strong, with Brown delivering the first kill and contributing to an early lead. However, a string of service aces from Sacramento State gave the Hornets the edge.

Oakland fought back with standout performances from Green and Linkhart, with Green registering key kills and Linkhart delivering consecutive points. A service error by Sacramento State kept Oakland within reach and, despite a few errors, the Golden Grizzlies capitalized on Sacramento State's mistakes to tie the set multiple times.

As the set approached its final points, Brown and Rachel Rossman kept Oakland in contention with crucial kills. Oakland fought hard as it saw itself down, 24-18, but rattled off five-straight to make it a one-point set. However, Sacramento State sealed the set with a kill, and Oakland fell just short, 25-23.
 
SET THREE: OAKLAND 20, SACRAMENTO ST. 25

In the third set, Oakland fought hard once again but ultimately fell, 25-20, to fall in its match. Sacramento State started strong and capitalized to go up by a trio of points. A kill by Guse helped Oakland get on the board, but Sacramento State extended its advantage shortly after.

Oakland rallied, with Green delivering several key kills and Emily Wichmann contributing an ace. Stern also provided a spark off the bench, narrowing the gap with a kill, but Sacramento State responded with more service aces and blocks to keep its lead intact.

As the set progressed, Oakland clawed its way back with contributions from Brown and Libby Smith, who combined for kills and blocks that kept the Golden Grizzlies within striking distance. However, timely kills from Sacramento State sealed the match at 25-20.
 

Green led the Golden Grizzlies with seven kills and a .538 hitting percentage, as Linkhart and Brown both tallied six. Wichmann led the way with 15 digs as she tallied the only ace for the team
 
UP NEXT
The Golden Grizzlies continue the Michigan/Oakland Invitational tomorrow at home as it's set to take on St. Francis for Kid's/Camper's Day. First serve from the OU Credit Union O'rena is set for 3:00 p.m. ET.