BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Oakland University dropped in three sets to Bowling Green (25-17, 25-14, 25-18) on Wednesday at Stroh Center in Bowling Green, Ohio. The Falcons (5-5) capitalized with 37 and 10 service aces to secure the straight-sets victory as the Golden Grizzlies improved on defense, stuffing seven blocks as a team at the net.

Opposite hitter Caroline Moore picked up her first career start and led the team with seven kills. Starting setter Mya Kattula provided strong support with eight assists and nine digs, while also serving up an ace. Setter Delaney Stern held the defensive end with eight digs and picked up five assists, and middle blocker Grace Cooney was a key presence at the net, posting four block assists and collecting two kills.

Oakland began the first set with a big start, highlighted by outside hitter Molly Reck's service prowess, scoring two consecutive aces to secure an early 3-0 lead. Despite maintaining a competitive stance, Oakland faced a challenging stretch midway through the set when the Falcons, led by Avery Hobson and Amanda Otten's effective collaboration, executed a 10-0 run, shifting the score, 18-7. Oakland managed to regain some momentum with kills from Moore and opposite hitter Libby Smith, but the Falcons ultimately held firm to close the set.

The second set began with Smith securing an early point, setting a competitive tone throughout the frame. Cooney and Smith formed a strong defensive front, contributing back-to-back blocks to bring the score to 3-1 in favor of OU. However, the Falcons capitalized on a series of attacking errors establish the lead. Despite a service ace from Kattula and a well-timed block by middle blocker Anika Prisby, the Golden Grizzlies struggled to regain control as Bowling Green wrapped up the set.

The Golden Grizzlies opened the third set with Moore securing a kill from Kattula, narrowing the early deficit to a 1-3 score. Despite trailing, Oakland found momentum with an ace from defensive specialist Kiley Gallagher and a solo block by Prisby that brought the score to 8-15. Moore's consistent offensive efforts, including her final kill assisted by Kattula, kept Oakland competitive, but the Falcons ultimately finalized the set and match with a 25-18 victory.

Looking ahead, Oakland will head to their last preseason tournament, hosted by Butler at the Fishers Event Center in Fishers, Ind. A rematch with Eastern Michigan is set for Friday, Sept. 19 at 3 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.