ROCHESTER, Mich. — The Oakland Golden Grizzlies (6-19, 6-7 HL) swept Youngstown State (12-12, 7-6 HL) in straight sets (25-23, 28-26, 25-22) on Friday evening at the OU Credit Union O'rena. Oakland secured the victory with one of their strongest offensive performances all season, recording 49 kills off of a .245 hitting percentage. The home team also demonstrated a solid defensive front with 6 blocks to YSU's attack. The Penguins kept the match competitive, going into extra points in the second set, but Oakland's consistent play ensured the three-set win.

Outside hitter Ella Martin led the team with a perfect, error-free 13 kills, hitting at a .406 percentage and contributing three solo blocks. Setter Delaney Stern facilitated the offense with 39 assists, setting up numerous scoring opportunities, while middle blocker Grace Cooney had a solid night, tallying 14 kills from the center. Defensive specialist Kiley Gallagher provided strong back-row support, recording 15 digs to anchor the defense and pass up front.

The match opened with Youngstown establishing early momentum, taking a 4-0 lead against the Golden Grizzlies. However, OU responded with a strong sequence, including a kill from the middle by middle blocker Ellen Zapp and a block by opposite hitter Ella Schomer, narrowing the gap to 6-4. Gallagher contributed with a service ace, helping to keep Oakland within striking distance. As the set progressed, the Golden Grizzlies managed to tie the score at 20-20, thanks in part to a kill by Schomer. The teams exchanged points in a back-and-forth battle, with Oakland leveling the score again at 23-23 after a decisive kill by Cooney. Oakland then secured the set, 25-23, capitalizing on two Penguin attacking errors in the final plays.

The second set was a consistent battle and back-and-forth on the scoreboard between the Penguins and Golden Grizzlies. Oakland took control late in the fram with a key stretch that saw Martin contribute several pivotal kills, including one that tied the score at 24-24. Cooney was also instrumental, delivering critical points, and earned a kill that tied the score at 25-25. Despite Youngstown's efforts to stay competitive, Oakland effectively responded, ending with another Ella Martin kill to close the set in extra points.

Oakland secured the third set with a decisive performance, highlighted by a strong start and consistent execution throughout. Oakland opened with a 2-0 lead following a Penguin attacking error and a kill from Cooney. Midway through the set, Oakland capitalized on Youngstown's errors, stretching their lead to 15-8. Martin played a pivotal role, delivering five kills throughout the set with Stern providing the assists. Despite the Penguins' attempt to rally late in the set, Oakland maintained their advantage, closing out the set 25-22 with a final kill from Martin down the line.

The Golden Grizzlies and Penguins will match up one more time over the weekend to complete the series. First serve is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. ET and 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.