KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Oakland fell to host Western Michigan in four sets (24-26, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20) Friday night inside Read Fieldhouse/University Arena. Oakland picked up 50 kills to Western's 60, while swinging with a .159 clip. 

Libero Lyse Bates led the defensive effort for Oakland with 21 digs over four sets. Setter Mya Kattula contributed significantly with 19 assists and 16 digs, also serving an ace. Middle Blocker Anika Prisby was a key offensive player: recording 11 kills with a .308 hitting percentage and adding two blocks, while opposite hitter Libby Smith added 10 kills and three block assists. Delaney Stern picked up some time in the setter spot, as she supported the team with 17 assists and secured a service ace.

In the first set, Oakland displayed resilience, overcoming an early deficit to secure a 26-24 victory. The set began with Smith capitalizing on a Bronco's service error to take the first point. Despite trailing 11-16, the team rallied with a combination of plays, including a critical service ace by Kattula that tied the score at 20-20. Outside hitter Molly Reck was instrumental in the comeback, delivering consecutive kills in the final moments, clinching the set with an attack error from the opposition at 24-24.

The second frame began with both teams exchanging points until Western Michigan established a lead at 5-3, aided by multiple kills from Annalise Patchett. Kattula set up several effective plays for the Golden Grizzlies, contributing assists on key kills by Smith and Prisby, which helped narrow the gap to 15-18. Oakland rallied late in the set with a 4-0 run, featuring a service ace by middle blocker Grace Cooney and crucial kills from Smith, but the Broncos closed the set with a 25-22 victory following an attacking error from Reck.

The next set saw Oakland trailing early as WMU scored the first two points. After an initial back-and-forth, the Broncos gained momentum with a 6-0 run, extending their lead to 13-5, before head coach Krista Rice called time. Cooney and Prisby attempted to halt the opposition's momentum with crucial kills, but the Broncos maintained their advantage. Despite late efforts from opposite hitter Ella Schomer and Smith, who each contributed key kills, the Golden Grizzlies fell short, concluding the set with a 25-16 score.

In the final set, OU began with a 3-1 run highlighted by outside hitter Olivia Rust's block and kill, assisted by Kattula. Despite this early momentum, the Broncos responded with a significant surge, taking a 7-4 lead with a service ace from Reeghan Boyer. Oakland's Prisby and Smith contributed crucial kills to keep the score competitive, narrowing the gap to 19-13. However, Western Michigan. maintained their lead, ultimately clinching the set 25-20, despite a final block by Kattula and Prisby to reach 20 points.

Looking ahead, Oakland volleyball is set to face DePaul tomorrow for the second day of the Western Michigan Tournament in Kalamazoo. The match will begin at 3 p.m. ET inside the Read Fieldhouse/University Arena.


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.