ROCHESTER, Mich. — Oakland Volleyball (5-14, 5-2 HL) defeated Purdue Fort Wayne (3-15, 1-6 HL) in four sets (25-17, 25-15, 25-13, 25-11) on Saturday afternoon inside the OU Credit Union O'rena. The Golden Grizzlies' efficient attack was highlighted by a .313 hitting percentage, and they recorded seven service aces, overwhelming the Mastodons and holding their front row to a .065 hitting clip.

Outside hitter Libby Smith led the Oakland team with 12 kills and contributed six total blocks, resulting in a team-high 15.5 points. Setter Delaney Stern controlled the offense with another double-double outing with 39 assists and 16 digs, while middle blocker Grace Cooney was efficient at the net, recording a .545 hitting percentage with seven kills and five total blocks. Opposite hitter Caroline Moore added more on the right with nine kills on a .471 hitting percentage.

Oakland faced early challenges against PFW to open the first set. Despite a kill by outside hitter Molly Reck assisted by Stern, Oakland found itself trailing as the Mastodons capitalized on hitting errors and strong plays to build an early lead. Notable highlights mid-set for Oakland included Smith's kill and a block by Smith that tied the score at 6-6. Momentum shifted as Purdue Fort Wayne, aided by consistent service and offensive pressure, pulled ahead. Oakland managed to stay competitive with additional kills from Reck, middle blocker Anika Prisby, and opposite hitter Ella Schomer but struggled to contain the Mastodons' offensive rhythm. The set concluded with Oakland trailing 25-17 as PFW secured the first set with a decisive final stretch.

The second set started with a series of decisive plays, quickly establishing momentum. Cooney's early kill, followed by a service ace from Stern, set the tone as Oakland took four straight points. The team continued to capitalize on Purdue Fort Wayne errors and extended the lead to 12-2, highlighted by strong offensive contributions from Reck and Moore. As the set progressed, the Mastodons attempted to close the gap but encountered consistent pressure from the Oakland offense. Smith and Prisby each delivered kills, aided by assists from Stern, maintaining a comfortable margin. Despite a few service errors, Oakland efficiently closed the set and tied the match.

In the third frame, Oakland capitalized on a series of errors by Purdue Fort Wayne to build a significant lead. Libero Lyse Bates started off with a service ace, followed by a kill from Smith, setting the tone for the Black and Gold. Stern contributed significantly with multiple service aces, aiding Oakland in an 8-2 run, as PFW's attack faltered with several errors. Moore consistently found the mark, adding cross-court kills throughout the set. The Golden Grizzlies maintained control with efficient serving and blocking, effectively countering the Mastodons' attempts to close the gap.

OU opened the fourth set with strong momentum, quickly establishing a lead with a kill from Cooney and a block off the arms of Cooney and Smith, bringing the score to a three-point lead. Stern's effective setting facilitated more offensive drives, including kills from Moore and Prisby, pushing the score 5-2. Despite a challenge from Purdue Fort Wayne that tied the game at 5-5, Oakland regained control with a series of errors forced on their opponents and points from Smith and Prisby, extending the lead 12-6. A service ace from Reck and continued miscues by the Mastodons widened the gap to 10 points. The Golden Grizzlies maintained their advantage with Smith leading the attack, contributing back-to-back kills to secure a commanding 22-11 edge. Moore and Cooney completed the set with decisive kills, closing the set at 25-11 and securing the victory for Oakland. 

Oakland is back inside the OU Credit Union O'rena to face Green Bay in a two-match series starting Friday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. ET in Rochester.


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.