Box Score ROCHESTER, Mich. — Oakland volleyball (7-20, 7-8 HL) fell to Northern Kentucky (18-8, 14-1 HL) in four sets (25-19, 25-15, 19-25, 25-18) on Friday at OU Credit Union O'Rena. Despite a strong serving performance with seven aces, Oakland was unable to overcome Northern Kentucky's efficient attack. Northern Kentucky recorded 59 kills with a .268 hitting percentage, while Oakland managed 45 kills with a .146 hitting percentage.

Oakland began the first set with momentum, sparked by a crucial run led by defensive specialist Kiley Gallagher's service aces and middle blocker Grace Cooney's kills, bringing the score to 7-2 in favor of Oakland. Despite this early surge, Northern Kentucky responded with a series of successful plays, including multiple kills by Ivey Stocks, which kept the game tightly contested. Outside hitter Ella Martin's kill brought Oakland back level at 13-13, but Northern Kentucky ultimately regained control, taking the set 25-19 after a series of errors by Oakland.

In the second set, Oakland briefly gained momentum with a block by outside hitter Libby Smith, followed by a kill from Smith herself, leveling the score at 3-3. Opposite hitter Caroline Moore's consistent performance, including multiple kills set up by setter Delaney Stern, kept Oakland competitive. However, Northern Kentucky's strong offensive execution, highlighted by a series of successful plays from multiple players, ultimately proved too challenging. Northern Kentucky closed the set with a decisive 25-15 victory over Oakland.

Oakland seized control early in the third set, sparked by a series of attack errors from Northern Kentucky, which contributed to a substantial lead. Stern played an instrumental role, repeatedly setting up key plays, including a kill by Martin and a service ace from defensive specialist Kalli Cook. Moore's offensive contributions further extended Oakland's advantage, culminating in a decisive 25-19 set victory.

In the fourth set, Oakland started strong with Stern's kill and service ace, quickly establishing a 2-point lead. Moore and outside hitter Olivia Rust contributed with key kills, propelling Oakland to a 5-2 advantage. However, Northern Kentucky responded with a series of successful plays, tying the score at 5-5 and then taking the lead. Oakland managed to tie the game at 6-6 through an attack error by Northern Kentucky's Allison Risley.

Despite Oakland's efforts, including a service ace by Gallagher, Northern Kentucky went on a decisive run, extending their lead to 18-12. Cooney and middle blocker Ellen Zapp provided crucial kills to keep Oakland competitive, but Northern Kentucky's consistent attacks, particularly from Sydney Bray and Ava Hoying, solidified their position. The set concluded with Northern Kentucky securing a 25-18 victory, giving it a 3-1 set score.

Looking ahead, Oakland will host Northern Kentucky once again on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. back at the OU Credit Union O'Rena.

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.