MOON TOWNSHIP, Penn. — Oakland Volleyball (2-14, 2-2 HL) took care of business against Robert Morris (6-9, 2-2 HL) in a 3-1 showdown (25-16, 26-24, 21-25, 25-20) on Saturday inside the UPMC Events Center. Jumping back from no blocks in Tuesday's win over Cleveland State, Oakland's strong performance was highlighted by eight total blocks, including four from middle blocker Grace Cooney to stop the Colonials' attack at the net.
Outside hitter Libby Smith led Oakland with 19.0 points, and picked up her eighth double-double kill outing of the season, achieving 17 kills and contributing three total blocks from the left side. Setter Delaney Stern facilitated the attack with 52 assists, as libero Lyse Bates anchored the defense, amassing 24 digs to keep rallies alive. Opposite hitter Ella Schomer also added 16.5 points, recording 15 kills and stuffing three blocks.
The Golden Grizzlies opened the first set with a strong performance, capitalizing on a service ace by Bates and a series of back-to-back kills to establish a 3-0 lead. Smith and outside hitter Molly Reck were instrumental in the offense, both contributing early points from assists by Stern. Despite a few service errors, Oakland maintained momentum with effective scoring, including multiple kills from Schomer and outside hitter Ella Martin. Oakland continued to press their advantage, with middle blockers Anika Prisby and Ellen Zapp adding in points. Defensive plays, including a block off the arms of Zapp and Smith, helped Oakland extend their lead. The set concluded with OU maintaining their compelling lead and closing out the set with 17 total kills and a .359 hitting percentage.
The Colonials to were able to establish an early 4-0 lead from some attacking errors before, Smith and Zapp contributed crucial points to keep Oakland within striking distance. Stern facilitated the 5-1 offense with multiple assists, helping Oakland close the gap to 10-12 after a series of kills from Smith and Prisby. As the set progressed, Oakland capitalized on RMU's errors and a service ace from Zapp to narrow the score within one. A late surge, highlighted by back-to-back block assists from Zapp and Schomer, propelled Oakland to a 24-22 lead. Despite a brief tie at 24-24, kills from Schomer and Prisby secured the set for Oakland in extra points.
The third set commenced with Oakland briefly pulling ahead behind a service ace from defensive specialist Kiley Gallagher, tying the score at 3-3, and a block from Cooney pushing the team to a 4-3 lead. Schomer contributed significantly with a kill that maintained the advantage at 5-4. Oakland displayed solid defense, with Cooney and Schomerteaming up for a block, extending their lead to 12-10. As the set progressed, Oakland encountered resistance from Robert Morris, who managed to level the score at 20-20. Smith and Prisby kept Oakland competitive with timely kills, helping the team stay within reach. However, the Colonials managed a late rally, capitalizing on Oakland attacking errors, and won the frame.
Oakland opened the fourth set by quickly adjusting after an early deficit, with Schomer and Martin contributing decisive kills to maintain momentum. A critical service ace by Bates tied the score at 5-5, and Smith's kill soon after gave Oakland its first lead in the set. Midway through the set, Oakland capitalized on Colonial errors and strong offensive sequences, with Schomer and Prisby adding crucial points. Defensive specialist Kalli Cook's service ace extended Oakland's advantage to 17-12, marking a turning point in the set, and the Golden Grizzlies kept up with heavy scoring runs. Despite service errors, Oakland maintained composure, with Prisby's off-speed final kill sealing match victory for the Black and Gold.
The Golden Grizzlies and Colonials will meet again in the UMPC Event Center for their second match of the series tomorrow, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. ET.
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.
