ROCHESTER, Mich. — Oakland volleyball (4-14, 4-2 HL) defeated Purdue Fort Wayne (3-14, 1-5 HL) in straight sets (25-21, 25-19, 25-23) for their first sweep of the season on Friday. Oakland's attack was highlighted by a .262 hitting percentage, overcoming PFW's 45 kills and a resilient front-row defense, while the Golden Grizzlies came out swinging in the third frame with a .343 hitting clip.

Middle blocker Anika Prisby led the Oakland offense with 11 kills, achieving a hitting percentage of .476 -- her second-highest hitting chart when attempting 10 or more swings. Setter Delaney Stern directed the team's play, contributing 27 assists and adding 12 digs defensively for her sixth double-double this season. Libero Lyse Bates bolstered the back row with 12 digs and matched her career-best adding in three service aces to Oakland's efforts, while outside hitter Molly Reck recorded eight kills and contributed defensively with seven digs and one block.

The Golden Grizzlies began the first set with a steady effort, overcoming an initial deficit to PFW. The set opened with Purdue Fort Wayne taking an early lead, but Oakland responded with key kills from opposite hitter  Ella Schomer and Reck, to battle back. Oakland gained momentum midway through the set, highlighted by a kill from outside hitter Libby Smith and a service ace from Bates, which contributed to a 4-1 scoring run. As the set progressed, OU capitalized on errors from the Mastodons, including a decisive block by Smith that extended the lead. Prisby and Schomer added final points, securing a 25-21 victory for Oakland.

The second set opened with Oakland quickly establishing a lead with kills from middle blocker Grace Cooney and Schomer, setting the mometum. The Mastodons momentarily tied the score at 3-3 with a block and kill, but Oakland responded effectively with Reck and Prisby contributing points to regain the lead. Midway through the set, Oakland capitalized on Purdue Fort Wayne errors and added another service ace by Bates to extend the lead. Despite a brief push from PFW, the Golden Grizzlies maintained control with consistent play from Prisby and Reck on the left to keep the advantage. Oakland closed the set on top, with Prisby dropping an off-speed kill down the middle.

In the third set, Oakland capitalized on early errors by the Mastodons, gaining momentum with a service error and two kills from Prisby and Smith to take a 5-2 lead. Smith and Stern continued to drive Oakland's offense, extending the lead to 13-6 through a combination of kills and a service ace from Stern. Despite a mid-set push from Purdue Fort Wayne, closing the gap in four points, Oakland maintained composure with kills from Cooney and Schomer. PFW made a late charge, narrowing the score to 24-23, but Schomer secured the final point for Oakland with a cross-court kill to conclude the set and match.

Oakland will face the Mastodons again on Saturday, Oct. 11 inside the OU Credit Union O'rena. The 2 p.m. first serve will be available to stream on ESPN+.


How to Follow Oakland Volleyball: For complete information on Oakland Volleyball, follow the team on X at @OaklandWVB and head coach Krista Rice at @KKg1007. The team is also on Instagram.