MOON TOWNSHIP, Penn. — Oakland (3-14, 3-2 HL) edged Robert Morris (6-10, 2-3 HL) in a five-set thriller (25-19, 22-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-11), at the UPMC Events Center on Sunday afternoon. The Golden Grizzlies capitalized on their strong defensive play, recording 87 digs led by libero Lyse Bates who earned a career-high 28 digs from the back row, to secure the victory. Both teams showcased their serving skills, each tallying seven aces, but Oakland's balanced attack, with 65 kills, ultimately made the difference in the decisive fifth set.

Outside hitter Libby Smith led the offense by scoring 16.5 points, contributing 14 kills and three total blocks over the five sets. Starting setter Delaney Stern facilitated the hitters, recording 40 assists and adding 10 digs, while outside hitter Molly Reck also made a significant impact, tallying 13 kills and securing a career-high 18 digs in the back row of Oakland's rotation.

Oakland began the first set quickly recovering from an initial two-point deficit, as Stern facilitated a steady offensive rhythm, assisting opposite hitter Ella Schomer and middle blocker Grace Cooney to secure crucial points. A service ace by Stern helped Oakland gain momentum early on in the frame. Oakland maintained pressure with a balanced attack, as Smith and Schomer continued to capitalize on set plays. Despite a few errors, Oakland extended their lead with strong defensive stops, including a notable block by middle blocker Anika Prisby and Smith. Oakland closed the set with a decisive kill by Schomer, completing the set 25-19.

In the second frame, the Golden Grizzlies opened scoring with a kill from Cooney, setting the tone for a back-and-forth exchange with the Colonials. Oakland managed to build momentum with a service ace by Reck and a series of key back-to-back kills from Smith, pushing them ahead 9-6. However, RMU responded, capitalizing on Oakland attacking errors to level the score at 15 apiece. Oakland regained the lead through Prisby's kill and a block from Smith, but RMU mounted a late surge against OU fighting back and secured the set.

Oakland initiated a competitive exchange with the Colonials to open the third set, highlighted by a service ace from Reck, and later leveled the score at 7-7. Oakland's offensive efforts, led by Reck and by Prisby, kept the team in contention as they traded points on the board with RMU, reaching another tie at 12. Oakland briefly gained momentum with consecutive kills on the leftside by Reck and middle from Prisby, taking an 18-16 lead, supported by a service ace from defensive specialist Kalli Cook. Despite maintaining pressure, Oakland could not hold the advantage as Robert Morris capitalized on late attack errors to edge ahead and take the game.

The fourth set began with a significant momentum shift for the Golden Grizzlies, capitalizing on a service error from RMU to level the score at 1-1. Reck's kill, assisted by Stern, initiated a series of successful points for the Gold and Black. Prisby and opposite hitter Caroline Moore combined for a block, and Reck followed with another kill, contributing to a two-point lead. Oakland maintained its offensive rhythm with Cooney and Moore delivering successive kills before a critical blocking error by RMU helped Oakland extend its advantage to 8-6. Smith and Schomer added to the scoring run, pushing the lead further to 13-7. As Oakland continued to press, defensive specialist Kiley Gallagher served up an ace and Reck achieved another kill to push the score to 19-8. Despite a brief rally from RMU, Oakland maintained control, with a 25-18 set win.

Oakland secured a decisive fifth set against RMU, beginning with an early kill by Schomer and maintaining momentum with valuable contributions from Prisby and Reck in the front row as OU also capitalized on attacking errors from the Colonials. Despite a brief surge from RMU, featuring a service ace and a few kills, Oakland's consistent pressure maintained the advantage, highlighted with setter Mya Kattula and Moore sealing crucial points near the end of the set. The Golden Grizzlies took home the win on match point after RMU hit the ball into the jumbotron resulting in a dead-ball and automatic point to Oakland.

Oakland heads back to Rochester to host Purdue Fort Wayne inside the OU Credit Union O'rena Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10 and 11. First serve on Friday is set for 6 p.m. ET 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.