The Golden Grizzlies dominated the Eastern Michigan Eagles, completing a 3-0 match sweep at the George Gervin GameAbove Center on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Set One
Led by head coach Krista Rice, the Grizzlies set the tone early with a powerful strike from Gentry Brown, expertly set up by setter Rachel Rossman. The duo activated the Grizzlies’ offense and kept the momentum in Oakland’s favor.
Although Eastern Michigan briefly closed the gap, forcing a prolonged tie at 14, Oakland’s Sydney Green ignited the team with a series of quick attacks and blocks. The Grizzlies were feeling it and continued to click on all cylinders.
A decisive kill from 6’3” senior Ainsley Guse ended the set with a 25-19 win for the Grizzlies. Oakland outperformed Eastern with 15 kills compared to their 10 and also led in a higher hitting percentage, .178 to .109.
Set Two
Oakland stayed in attack mode, dominating from start to finish in set two, which featured Guse getting in on even more of the action. The Grizzlies’ serves were also a bright spot, including two aces that posed a threat to the Eagles.
Senior Emily Wichmann showed an exceptional ability to read the game with major digs throughout, and the Eagles just couldn’t get into a rhythm. Rossman orchestrated another setup, this time to Christina Bohm. Her attack sealed the set, 25-10 in favor of Oakland.
Set Three
This was a closely contested set, with the Eagles pushing hard to try to overcome the Grizzlies. Eastern came in and showed signs of renewed energy.
The Eagles’ Kaili Doctor was the key to their strong offensive start and was taking hits from the back row. The Golden Grizzlies struggled to contain the right side. Despite Oakland trailing 19-13, they fought back and ended up turning things around. They capitalized on the missed opportunities by the Eagles to level the score at 23 off a Brown kill.
An out-of-bounds Oakland play gave the Eagles the 24-23 lead. Eventually, though, Eastern Michigan faltered in their final plays, which opened the door for the Grizzlies to gain control again. A kill by Bohm, followed by a service ace credited to Libby Smith, completed the set. In a commanding performance, the Golden Grizzlies clinched the 3-0 match victory, finishing strong and capping off the EMU Tournament.
It was a collective effort, with Brown leading the way with an impressive ten kills. Wichmann delivered a standout performance with 14 big-time digs. Guse demonstrated her strength at the net with five key blocks. Additionally, Rossman and Bohm earned well-deserved recognition on the All-Tournament Team for their exceptional contribution and consistent play throughout the competition.
What’s Next?
The Golden Grizzlies are set to compete in the Michigan and Oakland Invitational, kicking off with a match against Sacramento State on Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. at the OU Credit Union O’Rena. The excitement then continues on Saturday, Sept. 14, as Oakland takes on Saint Francis University. In both games, Oakland looks to showcase their skills on the blacktop.