FISHERS, Ind. — Butler University (6-6) swept the Oakland Golden Grizzlies (0-12) in straight sets, (25-22, 25-18, 25-18), on Saturday afternoon inside the Fishers Event Center. Despite capitalizing on numerous Bulldog service errors, OU fell on the offensive front, totaling 24 kills off of a .104 hitting chart.

With a starting lineup featuring four freshmen, opposite hitter Caroline Moore led the Oakland squad with seven kills on 17 attempts, hitting at a .353 clip while also contributing three block assists. Starting setter Mya Kattula orchestrated the offense with 18 assists and added 10 digs for her fourth career double-double. Opposite hitter Libby Smith and outside hitter Ella Martin both tacked on six kills and participated in two blocks from the corners as libero Lyse Bates added to the back row strength with nine digs and served  up an ace.

The opening frame began with an early surge from the Bulldogs, before Oakland responded with Moore's kill at 1-2, but Butler continued to build momentum through the early exchanges. Despite trailing 6-3, Oakland showed resilience with Martin and outside hitter Olivia Rust each contributing crucial kills to keep the set competitive. Kattula's consistent setting facilitated several front row attacks, later highlighted by a critical block from middle blocker Grace Cooney and Kattula at 10-12, helping to narrow the gap. Although Oakland closed within three points late in the set, Butler secured the 25-22 victory after a decisive kill.

Both teams saw a competitive start to the second set with exchanging points on the board until a key service ace by middle blocker Ellen Zapp at 6-3 gave the Golden Grizzlies a slight edge. However, Butler responded with a service ace by Jersey Loyer and multiple kills by Elise Ward, pulling ahead mid-set. Despite a late effort from OU, highlighted by Moore's and Martin's kills, Butler capitalized on a series of errors and strong offensive plays at the net to secure the second.

The third set saw the Bulldogs taking an early lead, capitalizing on a service error and a kill from Sawyer Jones to go up 2-0. Smith responded with multiple successful attacks, including a crucial block at 16-9 that halted Butler's momentum. Despite a late surge with Smith contributing back-to-back kills to reach 23-18, Oakland was unable to close the gap entirely, and Butler took home the match with a final kill.

Looking ahead, Oakland will open Horizon League play on the road at Milwaukee. The series is set for Friday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 27 inside the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee, Wis.


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.