ROCHESTER, Mich. — Eastern Michigan defeated Oakland in four sets (22-25, 25-15, 25-20, 25-23) on Saturday inside the OU Credit Union O'rena. Both teams registered eight service aces, but the Eagles' (7-3) higher attack percentage of .223 compared to Oakland's .117 proved decisive, along with 11 total team blocks.

Opposite hitter Ella Schomer led the team with 10 kills and added two blocks, while setter Delaney Stern carried the offense with 25 assists while also recording five kills on 10 attempts and collecting 11 digs. Middle blocker Ellen Zapp made an impact from the service line with two aces and contributed defensively in the front with two blocks.

The start of the match began with an early lead by the Eagles, capitalizing on errors to go ahead 6-1. Oakland responded with back-to-back plays, including a kill by Schomer at 6-2, which slowly chipped away at the deficit. A pivotal moment came when opposite hitter Libby Smith served up an ace at 19-14, sparking a momentum shift that saw Oakland score six consecutive points, tying the match at 19-19 with a setter dump by Stern. The set remained closely contested, but Oakland pushed through to seize a 25-22 victory, highlighted by Schomer's decisive kill and a final attacking error from EMU.

The second set commenced with the Golden Grizzlies taking an early lead, capitalizing on attack errors by EMU's AshleeKay Christensen. From both corners, Smith and Schomer contributed crucial kills, with Stern providing the assists, but the team faced a response from Eastern. Despite a brief Oakland rally that included an ace by Zapp, the Eagles maintained momentum and closed the set, utilizing back-to-back kills.

Oakland opened the third set with a strong start, capitalizing on an attacking error by the Eagles' Taeley Mahler and an early service ace by defensive specialist Kiley Gallagher that set the tone. Despite Oakland's efforts, the Eagles built momentum with a mid-set surge, contributing to a 7-4 lead. Oakland battled back with a service ace by Schomer and a kill by Stern, leveling the score at 7-7. After trading points on the board, however, the EMU's front row proved pivotal, delivering multiple kills and a service ace, helping clinch the set at 25-20.

The final frame began with an early kill by Schomer on the right side, giving the home team an initial edge. A notable moment occurred when Oakland built a 5-0 scoring run, highlighted by kills from outside hitter Molly Reck, Zapp and an Eastern Michigan attacking error, pushing the score to 12-7. Despite Oakland's attempts to maintain control, including a late kill by outside hitter Olivia Rust from a setter Mya Kattula assist to bring the score to 21-15, the Eagles rallied back, capitalizing on a series of attacking errors by Oakland to level the score. Ultimately, the Eagles clinched the set, 25-23, after a block for the final point.

The next challenge for Oakland comes as they travel to face Bowling Green for their lone non-conference midweek match up. The game is set for Wednesday, Sept. 17, with first serve at 6 p.m.


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.