MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Oakland University volleyball team (0-13, 0-1 HL) drops to 0-1 in league play after being swept by Milwaukee (1-13, 1-0 HL) (25-14, 27-25, 25-15) Friday evening at Klotsche Center. The Panthers' performance was highlighted by their efficient attack and aces from the service line, as the Golden Grizzlies improved with their best offensive performance this season, collectively hitting .232 at the net.

Opposite hitter Libby Smith led the offensive effort for Oakland with another double-digit outing with 12 kills and adding in five digs to her performance. Setter Delaney Stern facilitated the attack with 25 assists, while contributing three kills as defensive specialist Kiley Gallagher made an impact in the back row, recording 11 digs and adding a service ace. Middle blocker Anika Prisby also had a strong showing at the net, posting seven kills, maintaining a .235 hitting percentage, and contributed defensively with a block assist.

Oakland began the first set with early offensive contributions from outside hitter Ella Martin and opposite hitter Caroline Moore, each keeping the score competitive. Despite a quick response from the Panthers, Oakland managed to tie the game at several points, with starting setter Mya Kattula assisting in the frame. Midway through the set, Milwaukee gained momentum with a series of kills from Ella Schuetz and Bella Lipski, creating a gap that Oakland struggled to close. Prisby and Smith delivered late kills, but the Panthers' consistent offense maintained their lead. Although the Golden Grizzlies showed resilience with a late kill from outside hitter Molly Reck, Milwaukee secured the set at 25-14.

The second set began with a momentum shift as OU capitalized on a service error by the Panthers to level the score early. Martin and Prisby contributed key kills, maintaining a close contest. Despite several attack errors, Oakland managed to tie the game at 14 with a kill by Smith and a block by Prisby and Smith, capturing a brief lead. Oakland extended their lead to 16-14 through a kill by Stern and defensive efforts by Moore and middle blocker Grace Cooney. Milwaukee countered with a series of kills, eventually tying the set at 23. Oakland responded, with Prisby delivering a critical kill to level the score at 24. However, the Panthers edged ahead in the final plays, closing the set in extra points.

The Golden Grizzlies started the third set strong with Gallagher delivering a service ace to put the first point on the board. Despite an early tie, Milwaukee pulled ahead with a series of consecutive points from Oakland attacking errors, bringing the score to 5-2 in favor of the home team. Outside hitter Olivia Rust responded for Oakland with a kill, but the Panthers maintained their lead with consistent scoring, extending their advantage to 11-6. Smith kept Oakland competitive with multiple kills, yet Milwaukee's Josie Noble consistently scored, pushing the score to 18-12. As the set progressed, Prisby and Smith contributed offensively for the Black and Gold, but Milwaukee capitalized on their front row to secure the match.

Looking to bounce back quickly, Oakland will see Milwaukee again inside the Klotsche Center tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. ET. The match is available to stream on ESPN+.

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.