DAYTON, Ohio — Oakland (7-23, 7-11 HL) fell to Wright State (19-10, 13-5 HL) in straight sets (25-22, 25-20, 25-21) on Saturday at C.J. McLin Gymnasium on Wright State's campus. Despite Oakland's 45 kills and 47 digs, the Raiders effectively controlled the match with a .336 hitting percentage and three service aces.

Outside hitter Libby Smith led the attack with 11 kills on 27 attempts, achieving a .259 hitting percentage, while also contributing three digs, as starting setter Delaney Stern set up her teammates effectively, registering 20 assists over three sets. Opposite hitter Caroline Moore added 10 kills from 22 swings, maintaining a hitting percentage of .364, and collected six digs. Outside hitter Molly Reck posted nine kills and recorded 11 digs, providing a solid defensive effort.

The first set opened with Oakland displaying resilience, answering WSU's initial points with a balanced attack. Moore and Reck each contributed early kills, keeping the score tight. The Golden Grizzlies then seized momentum midway through the set, capitalizing on two Raider attacking errors to build a 6-3 lead. Though WSU regained their footing, tying the score at 9-9, Oakland responded once more, with key plays from middle blocker Ellen Zapp and Moore, pulling ahead briefly. However, a scoring surge by the Raiders pushed them ahead after several consecutive points. Despite late kills by Reck and Moore, Oakland could not close the gap, ending the set 25-22 in favor of WSU.

Oakland showed resilience in the second set, narrowing an early deficit with key contributions from multiple players. Reck and middle blocker Grace Cooney delivered crucial kills, with Stern assisting both plays, to bring Oakland within striking distance at 4-3. Later, Smith's consistent performance, highlighted by a kill at 13-17, fueled Oakland's efforts to stay competitive. Despite a late rally that brought them within three points at 23-20, propelled by consecutive kills from Moore and Zapp, Oakland couldn't overcome the Raider's lead as they took the set.

Oakland's momentum in the third set was ignited by a series of precise plays from setter Mya Kattula, who assisted both Reck and opposite hitter Ella Schomer in back-to-back kills to level the score at 4-4. As the set unfolded, Smith delivered crucial kills, assisted by Kattula, helping Oakland keep pace with WSU, bringing the score to 16-16. Despite Oakland's efforts, including a late kill by Moore that narrowed the gap to 21-22, WSU finished the set strong, securing a 25-21 victory.


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.