MISSOULA, Mont. — Montana (3-3) defeated the Oakland University volleyball team (0-6), 3-1 (25-12, 25-20, 21-25, 28-26), on Saturday at Dahlberg Arena. The Golden Grizzlies showed resilience by winning the third set but could not overcome the Grizz's potent attack, which registered a .321 hitting percentage. Montana's defense also played a crucial role, recording 88 digs to keep the Golden Grizzlies at bay.

Opposite hitter Libby Smith led Oakland with a season-high 16 kills and contributed two solo blocks, while setter Delaney Stern facilitated the offense with a double-double on the afternoon (33 assists, 14 digs). Libero Lyse Bates was a defensive standout, collecting 16 digs and adding three service aces. And middle blocker Grace Cooney continued a strong start to her freshman campaign, recording eight kills with an impressive .889 hitting percentage and stuffing three total blocks.

The opening frame began with Montana setting the pace, scoring an early service ace by Gracie Cagle at 0-1. Oakland responded with a strong block by middle blocker Ellen Zapp and opposity hitter Ella Schomer, leveling the score at 1-1. Despite a mid-set push from Oakland, including a kill from Smith assisted by Stern at 11-20, Montana capitalized on a series of errors and effective kills, concluding the set at 25-12.

A back-and-forth exchange started up the next set, highlighted by Zapp's kill at 5-5 assisted by Stern, who showcased her positioning skills throughout the set. Oakland briefly pulled ahead at 3-1 with a service ace from defensive specialist Kiley Gallagher, but a mid-set surge by Montana, led by Delaney Russell's kills, pushed the home team to a 10-7 advantage. Despite a late rally featuring three consecutive kills from Smith and effective blocks from Stern, Oakland fell short as Montana's consistent offense secured the set.

Oakland opened the third set strong, capitalizing on an early attack error by Montana to take the lead. Smith's service ace extended Oakland's advantage to 2-0, and outside hitter Olivia Rust's consistent performance, with kills at key moments, kept the momentum on Oakland's side. A mid-set surge saw Gallagher serving consecutively for five points, including two service aces, propelling Oakland to a 21-18 lead. Cooney and Schomer contributed crucial blocks and kills, helping Oakland secure a 25-21 victory in the set.

The fourth set opened with another back-and-forth exchange, as Smith and Rust contributed early kills to keep the score tight. Oakland then surged forward with a series of points, highlighted by Bates' consecutive service aces, pushing the team to a 12-9 lead. Despite a resilient response from Montana, including a late tie at 24-24, Oakland stayed competitive with Schomer and Zapp delivering back-to-back kills, although Montana eventually edged out a 28-26 victory after a successful challenge in a tightly contested finish.

The Golden Grizzlies will head back to the OU Credit Union O'rena for their first home stretch of the season. The Golden Grizzlies Invitational will kick of on Friday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. ET when OU will take on Southern Illinois.


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.