ATHENS, Ohio - The Golden Grizzlies volleyball team closed out the Green & White Invitational with a win against Ohio, 3-1, this afternoon inside the Convocation Center.
 
SET ONE: OAKLAND 25, OHIO 23
The match opened with intense back-and-forth action as both teams fought for control. Oakland took an early lead with sharp attacking plays from Libby Smith and Christina Bohm. Ohio responded with kills from Kam Hunt, but Oakland's defense, anchored by Emily Wichmann's crucial digs, kept them in the fight.
 
Gentry Brown and Tyler Linkhart were pivotal in securing sideouts for Oakland, while Rachel Rossman's well-timed assists allowed Oakland to edge out Ohio in the final moments. A late push by Ohio put the Bobcats within one, but a service error sealed the first set as Oakland carried its momentum into the second.
 
SET TWO: OAKLAND 25, OHIO 23
Just like the set previous, the second set was tightly contested. Ohio adjusted its game plan, focusing on slowing down Oakland's middle attack, but Oakland's depth in offense came through. Ainsley Guse and Smith delivered key kills, while Rossman continued to spread the ball effectively, keeping Ohio's blockers guessing.
 
The lead changed hands multiple times, and the set was tied at 22. Rossman's ability to find Bohm for a critical point allowed Oakland to inch ahead. Wichmann's pinpoint passing and strong defense, combined with a late attack error from Ohio, gave Oakland the slim 25-23 victory in another nail-biting finish.
 
SET THREE: OAKLAND 14, OHIO 25
Ohio came out firing in the third set, determined to stay in the match. The Bobcats took advantage of Oakland's unforced errors and capitalized on miscommunication. Despite efforts from Rossman and Smith to attempt a comeback, Oakland couldn't find its footing, and Ohio went on to take its first set of the match, 25-14.
 
SET FOUR: OAKLAND 25, OHIO 23
After regrouping, Oakland entered the fourth set determined to finish strong. The set remained extremely close throughout, with both teams exchanging leads and momentum. Smith, Brown and Bohm took charge offensively for Oakland, delivering key kills at critical junctures.
 
Wichmann and Rossman kept Oakland's defense organized, making key digs and assists to keep the rallies alive. Ohio fought back with strong play, but Oakland's resilience prevailed. A service error brought up match point for Oakland, but Ohio remained in the match with a pair of points. However, a service error closed the match out as the Golden Grizzlies went on to win against the host institution, 3-1.
 
 
Wichmann, who was named to the All-Tournament Team, led the team on the day with 22 digs. Both Smith and Bohm led the team with 12 kills each, as Smith hit at a .417 clip with Bohm right behind with a .409 hitting percentage. Bohm also tallied the sole ace for the team as Guse led at the night with a solo block and a pair of block assists.
 
The Golden Grizzlies open up Horizon League play at home next Friday (Sept. 27), as it welcomes Milwaukee inside the OU Credit Union O'rena. First serve is slated for 6:00 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on ESPN+.