ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Oakland women's soccer team rallied from an early deficit to defeat Youngstown State 3-1 on Sunday afternoon at the Oakland Soccer Field.

Youngstown State opened the scoring in the 16th minute when forward Lianna Van Sice netted her second goal of the season. The Penguins took advantage of a well-executed play, with Taylor Berry and Justine Appolonia providing assists, putting the visitors up 1-0.

Oakland responded just five minutes later as Frankie Mudd equalized for the Golden Grizzlies with a shot that found the back of the net in the 21st minute. The goal, Mudd's third of the season, was assisted by Isabella Bierod, and it set the tone for a highly competitive first half.

Oakland held a clear advantage in terms of offensive pressure in the first 45 minutes. The Golden Grizzlies recorded 12 shots, five of which were on target, compared to Youngstown State's three shots with two on goal. Frankie Mudd led Oakland's offense with four shots, including one on target that resulted in the equalizing goal. Shannon Brown was also active, putting both of her two shots on target, while Isabella Bierod contributed with an assist on Mudd's goal.

Youngstown State, though limited in their chances, was efficient with their opportunities. Lianna Van Sice's lone shot on target resulted in a goal, and Taylor Berry added to the attack with a shot that went wide. Goalkeeper Maya Naimoli was crucial in keeping the game level, making four saves in the first half as Oakland continually pressed forward.

Team-wise, Oakland edged the Penguins in possession (51% to 49%) and earned four corner kicks to Youngstown's two. Despite being under pressure, Youngstown State showed resilience on defense, blocking shots and making key stops to go into halftime tied at 1-1.

In the second half, Oakland continued to press forward. Just three minutes after the restart, defender Brooke Blackstock gave the Golden Grizzlies a 2-1 lead with a solo effort, marking her first goal of the season in the 48th minute.

Youngstown State fought to get back into the game, generating six second-half shots, but Oakland's defense, led by Zangerl's four saves in the half, held firm.

Lorelai Miller sealed the victory for Oakland in the 87th minute with a strike, besting the Youngstown goalie in a one-no-one break, notching her first goal of the season to make it 3-1.

By the end of the match, Oakland's dominance was evident in the stat sheet. The Golden Grizzlies finished with 22 shots, 10 of which were on target, compared to Youngstown State's nine shots and six on goal. Oakland's offensive aggression was rewarded with three goals from Mudd, Brooke Blackstock, and Lorelai Miller, while Youngstown State was held scoreless after their early strike from Van Sice.

Individually, Mudd continued to shine, finishing the game with five shots, two of which were on target, and one goal. Blackstock and Miller each contributed with a goal apiece, while Shannon Brown and Kimee Liu both had multiple shots on goal that kept Youngstown's defense on their toes. Goalkeeper Julia Zangerl played a key role in maintaining Oakland's lead, finishing with five saves, including four crucial stops in the second half.

Oakland will look to build on this momentum as they continue Horizon League play as they return to the road for their next game against Milwaukee on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ET.