MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Milwaukee (2-13) swept the Oakland Golden Grizzlies (0-14) in three (25-18, 26-24, 25-14) on Saturday afternoon inside Klotsche Center. OU showed growth on the stat sheet, staying even keel with the Panthers on blocks and assists, as they out-dug Milwaukee 43-38 and earned more kills from the front line in the opening set.

Libero Lyse Bates highlighted the defensive effort with 17 digs across three sets as middle blocker Anika Prisby contributed perfectly offensively with seven kills on 10 attempts, achieving a .700 hitting percentage while also stuffing two block assists. Setter Delaney Stern facilitated the team's attack, recording 26 assists and adding two service aces. Middle blocker Ellen Zapp was efficient at the net, finishing with five kills and adding one solo block -- just her second solo stuff on the season.

Oakland opened the first set with a kill by opposite hitter Caroline Moore from Stern, briefly taking the lead. However, the Panthers responded with a series of points, capitalizing on attacking errors to establish an early advantage. Outside hitter Olivia Rust and Prisby delivered consistent kills that helped the Golden Grizzlies stay in the first half of the set. Despite multiple scoring efforts from Stern's assists to Moore and opposite hitter Libby Smith, Milwaukee maintained their edge, widening the gap through aces and attacking conversions. Oakland showed resilience, narrowing the deficit to 19-17 with a series of points, including a service ace by defensive specialist Kalli Cook. In the closing phase of the frame, the Panthers' captialized and sealed the set at 25-18.

The second frame began with Milwaukee taking an early advantage, but Oakland responded by capitalizing on Panther errors to keep the score close. Key contributions from Prisby and Rust helped Oakland stay competitive, with Prisby recording critical kills that cut the home team's lead. As the set progressed, Oakland found a rhythm, highlighted by a series of successful blocks and a service ace by Moore. This effort brought Oakland back from a deficit to tie the set at 23-23. Oakland then took a brief lead at 24-23 following an attack error by Milwaukee, but was unable to close out the set as Milwaukee got ahead in extra points.

OU began the third set by capitalizing on a service error from Milwaukee's Josie Johnson to take an early lead. Zapp combined with Stern to build momentum, contributing two key kills and two service aces as Oakland opened a 5-1 advantage. However, Milwaukee quickly responded, utilizing a service streak from Josie Noble to draw level and then surge ahead. Despite Oakland's best efforts, including kills from outside hitter Ella Martin and Smith, Milwaukee maintained control with efficient points. Oakland managed to cut into the deficit late with a block by opposite hitter Ella Schomer and Prisby, but Milwaukee closed the set with an 11-point advantage.

The Golden Grizzlies will head back to the OU Credit Union O'rena to host Cleveland State for a midweek conference match on Tuesday, Sept. 30. First serve is set for 6 p.m. ET 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.