ROCHESTER, Mich. — The Oakland volleyball team (7-19, 7-7 HL) defeated Youngstown State (12-13, 7-7 HL), 3-1, on Saturday at the OU Credit Union O'rena. After dropping the first set 20-25, the Golden Grizzlies rebounded to take the next three sets 25-18, 25-23, 25-23. Oakland recorded 62 kills, led by a balanced attack that overcame the Penguins' 72 digs and five blocks from the front. The victory was also secured with power from the service line and a total of 6 team blocks, led by middle blocker Grace Cooney.

Outside hitter Ella Martin recorded a career-high 18 kills and posted a .304 hitting percentage over the four sets. Along with four blocks, Cooney contributed significantly with 17 kills while maintaining a .467 hitting percentage. Setter Delaney Stern facilitated the offense with 47 assists and added three total blocks, as defensive specialist Kiley Gallagher was active in the back row, collecting 16 digs across the match.

OU opened the first set with a kill by middle blocker Ellen Zapp, assisted by outside hitter Molly Reck, to take an early lead. Despite a few attacking errors, Oakland kept the score close throughout the first half of the set, with Cooney and Martin contributing key kills from the left side. Youngstown gained momentum with a series of kills and a service ace, extending their lead before Oakland responded with efforts from Reck and Zapp. YSU maintained their advantage to close the set, ending with a 25-20 final.

The Golden Grizzlies seized control in the second set with a pivotal run that began with Cooney's kill, leveling the score at 6-6. Cooney's consistent performance, with multiple kills from Stern's assists, kept Oakland competitive throughout the set. A crucial turning point occurred when Reck and Stern combined for a block, triggering a 4-0 Oakland run that pushed the score to three more points in their favor. Martin's strong finish solidified Oakland's advantage, contributing several key kills down the line to extend their lead. Oakland capitalized on Penguin errors and maintained momentum to close out the set with a decisive performance.

Oakland overcame a challenging sequence in the third set to secure a victory against Youngstown. Despite early struggles, Oakland rallied with a pivotal run, highlighted by Martin and Cooney, each contributing kills to tie the score at 16 a piece. The momentum shifted as Oakland capitalized on attacking errors by Youngstown and service aces, pushing the home team ahead. Martin's continuous offensive efforts, supported by Stern, were instrumental in maintaining Oakland's lead before an Ellen Zapp kill closed down the set with a two-point victory.

In the final set, the Black and Gold secured a narrow victory over Youngstown after initiating a strong start with Zapp and Cooney each delivering back-to-back kills, leading to an early advantage. YSU briefly tied the score at 14-14, but Oakland responded with a service ace and maintained pressure through consistent offense. As the set progressed, Oakland capitalized on errors from Youngstown, with Reck and Martin contributing pivotal points to reclaim the lead. Despite a late rally from Youngstown, Oakland held firm, with Zapp delivering the decisive kill to end the match as the previous set.

Up next for Oakland, they will face Northern Kentucky on Friday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. ET at the OU Credit Union O'rena in Rochester, Michigan.


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.