KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Oakland Volleyball (0-3) fell in three sets (25-19, 25-20, 26-24) to Illinois State (3-0) in their final match of the Western Michigan Tournament on Sunday at Read Fieldhouse/University Arena. The Golden Grizzlies put up a strong showing in the back row with 50 digs, but the Redbirds prevailed in a close third set to secure the victory, despite OU's aces from the service line. Freshman middle blocker Grace Cooney earned a spot on the All-Tournament team totaling 23 kills off of a .250 hitting clip and stuffing 6.0 blocks on the weekend.

Middle blocker Grace Cooney led Oakland with an impressive .389 hitting percentage, contributing nine kills off of 18 swings and a service ace. Starting setter Delaney Stern played a pivotal role in setting up plays, recording her third career double-double with 17 assists and adding 11 digs defensively. Setter Mya Kattula supported the offensive setup with 13 assists and chipped in with one service ace, bringing her season total to three and leading the 2025 Golden Grizzlies. Opposite hitter Caroline Moore made a strong impact with her time in the rotation, hitting .333 with six kills and two block assists, while outside hitter Molly Reck provided depth with seven kills from the side.

The first set saw a dynamic start as Oakland quickly leveled the score at 1-1 with a kill by Cooney, assisted by Stern. The offensive efforts continued with Cooney and middle blocker Anika Prisby both contributing multiple kills, keeping the score tight at various points. However, Illinois State pulled ahead late in the set, capitalizing on a series of plays, including a decisive kill by Khenedi Guest, to close the set with a 25-19 victory. Despite the loss, Oakland demonstrated strong playmaking with key assists from Stern and Kattula throughout the set.

ISU established an early lead to start the second frame, capitalizing on two consecutive service aces from Audrey Clark to go up 3-0. Oakland responded with a kill by Cooney, but the Redbirds maintained momentum to extend their lead to 8-3. Despite trailing, Oakland found success through key plays from Cooney and Moore, who each delivered multiple kills, helping to narrow the gap. As the set progressed, Reck and Prisby contributed crucial blocks, yet the Redbirds secured the set with a 25-20 victory.

The final set began with the Golden Grizzlies earning the first two points, including a kill from Reck and a block by opposite hitter Libby Smith. Despite an initial lead, the set saw several lead changes, with both teams tying the score nine times. Moore contributed significantly with multiple kills near the end, keeping the score tight at 24-24. However, Illinois State edged ahead to close the set 26-24, with strategic plays in the final moments.

Oakland looks for their first win as they head to Missoula, Mont., where they will face Montana and North Dakota State in the Ellesyn Invitational. First serve is set against Montana on September 5 at 2 p.m. ET.


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.