ROCHESTER, Mich. — Oakland (7-21, 7-9 HL) fell to Northern Kentucky (19-8, 15-1 HL) in three on Senior Day Saturday at OU Credit Union O'rena, with set scores of 28-26, 25-20, 25-21. In a heavy back-row match, both teams totaled 142 digs combined, as Oakland picked up the pace at the net with a .286 hitting percentage in the third set.

Outside hitter Libby Smith led the way, recording 13 kills on 42 attempts, finishing with a hitting percentage of .238. Libero Lyse Bates contributed with 26 digs for the Golden Grizzlies 71 digs through all three sets, leading the team as setter Delaney Stern set up the offense effectively, accumulating 36 assists and adding in a service ace. Opposite hitter Caroline Moore tallied nine kills and registered two block assists, adding to her total of 11 points.

Oakland started the first set with a strong offensive presence, as Moore and outside hitter Ella Martin each secured early kills, assisted by Stern, to keep the team close with the Norse. Middle blocker Ellen Zapp contributed significantly with a service ace and crucial blocks alongside Moore, helping the Golden Grizzlies regain momentum midway through the set. Despite Oakland's efforts, including a late tie at 24-24 achieved through a series of Norse attacking errors and a kill by Moore, the Norse managed to edge out Oakland in a tense finish and multiple set points.

Oakland faced a challenging second set against Northern Kentucky, with Smith and Moore contributing kills from both corners to keep the team competitive. Despite an early lead spurred by a service error from NKU and a kill by Moore, Oakland faced a series of shifted momentum from their opponent. The Golden Grizzlies regained some ground through Smith's back-to-back kills and a service ace from defensive specialist Kalli Cook, narrowing the gap. However, the Norse capitalized on Oakland attacking errors late in the set, securing a 25-20 win.

In the third set, OU fought back after falling behind early. Moore and Martin each delivered crucial kills to keep the team competitive. Smith also contributed significantly with multiple kills, edging her way to 1,000 career-kills at Oakland and narrowing NKU's lead in a 4-1 run. After rallying on the board back-and-forth with points between the two, NKU maintained their advantage and took the match.

Oakland will end the regular season on the road to face Wright State in a two-match series next weekend in Dayton. Action begins Friday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the finale on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2 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.