ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies volleyball team is set to open up its Horizon League schedule at home this weekend, as it welcomes in Milwaukee both Friday and Saturday, with first serve's starting at 6:00 p.m. ET and 2:00 p.m. ET, respectively.
 
Oakland looks to continue to build off its season last year under third year head coach Krista Rice. The Golden Grizzlies recorded an 11-7 conference record, as its 11 league wins were the most in a season since 2017.
 
The Golden Grizzlies wrapped up its non-conference schedule with a win against Ohio University, 3-1, to finish non-league play, 4-8. Oakland faced some difficult foes, including the Wolverines out of the Big Ten who have a 10-1 overall record. Three of Oakland's four wins have come via a sweep as the team is currently 1-1 inside the OU Credit Union O'rena, with its win coming against St. Francis, Sept. 14, by a sweep.
 
The Golden Grizzlies, as a whole, put down 12.2 kills per set, with its total of 537, and have recorded 61 aces on the year. On the defensive side, Oakland has 1.6 blocks per set, with 72.0 total blocks, as Ainsley Guse has accounted for more than half with her 42.0. On the offensive side, Tyler Linkhart leads the team with 120 kills and hits at a .191 clip, while Gentry Brown is right behind her with 112 kills.
 
FRIDAY, SEPT. 27 - Inclusion Day / Free Pizza for All Students (while supplies last)
SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 - OU Rec Well Day (Free Admission for OU Rec Well External Members and Employees)
OPPONENT: MILWAUKEE
TIME: 6:00 p.m. ET (Friday); 2:00 p.m. ET (Saturday)
LIVE STATS
LIVESTREAM: ESPN+ (Friday only)

The Panthers enter conference play 5-7 overall, and have only won one match on the road with a 1-3 record. Milwaukee rides a two-match losing streak heading into Friday, as it got swept by DePaul and lost in four to UIC in the Chicago Cup. Milwaukee had a tough start to its season as it opened it up against No. 5 nationally ranked Stanford and were swept, along with a sweep by No. 8 Wisconsin, and SMU who received votes.
 
The Golden Grizzlies hold a 9-15 record against the Panthers, with its matchup dating back to 2013, as Oakland looks to win its first match against Milwaukee since 2019. The Panthers have won eight-straight matches against the Golden Grizzlies and have not dropped a set in that span. At home, Oakland is 5-6, with its last home win coming in that 2019 season where it won a five-set match.
 
As a team, the Panthers have 522 total kills for 11.6 per set, as it matches the Golden Grizzlies with its 61 service aces. On the defensive side, Milwaukee has totaled 80.0 blocks, as three players have 30.0+, with Lakyn Graves leading the charge with 37.0. Madi Malone leads the team in kills with 123 and hits at a .197 clip, as Natalie Schmitz is one kill behind with a .167 hitting percentage.
 
Friday's matchup starts off at 6:00 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on ESPN+.