Next Match:
at IU Indy
10/24/2025 | 6 PM ET
Oct. 24 (Fri) / 6 PM ET
at IU Indy
ROCHESTER, Mich. — The Oakland Golden Grizzlies (5-16, 5-4 HL) fell to the Green Bay (8-12, 7-2 HL), 3-1 on Saturday inside OU Credit Union O’rena. Oakland took the first set 25-22 but dropped the next three sets 14-25, 17-25, and 17-25. Oakland still powered through, tallying five service aces and six total blocks from the front row against the Phoenix attack.
Middle blocker Ellen Zapp recorded eight kills and a service ace while contributing in four total blocks, including a solo stop. Libero Lyse Bates delivered defensively with 15 digs and added three assists while outside hitter Molly Reck tallied 22 digs from the back row for a new career high and added six kills to her performance. Starting setter Delaney Stern posted 23 assists and one ace over the four frames.
Oakland opened the match on home court with a strong performance in a tightly contested first set. After trailing early, Oakland capitalized on several errors by the Phoenix, with opposite hitter Ella Schomer and middle blocker Grace Cooney contributing back-to-back kills. Outside hitter Libby Smith’s offensive efforts helped Oakland stay within reach, delivering multiple kills to keep the set close. As the frame progressed, Oakland overcame a mid-set deficit, rallying back from seven points with a series of plays, including an ace by Reck and kills from Zapp, allowing the team to close the gap. Oakland’s persistence paid off as they eventually took the lead, culminating in Zapp’s decisive kill and an attacking error by Green Bay, sealing the set in favor of Oakland.
In the second set, Green Bay established early momentum with a 4-0 start, driven by a service ace and a series of kills. The Golden Grizzlies managed to halt the run briefly with a Phoenix  attacking error, complemented by a block from the duo of Zapp and Schomer on the right. However, the Phoenix continued to exert pressure, extending their lead by eight points. Oakland found some rhythm midway through the set with contributions from Schomer and Smith, narrowing the gap. Setter Mya Kattula’s service ace and Reck’s kill provided a late push, but Green Bay maintained their advantage thought the rest of the frame.
Oakland began the third set with a strong start, opening with a service ace by Stern and an early 2-0 lead. Schomer and Cooney contributed key kills, helping Oakland maintain a slim advantage. Kattula added another service ace to extend the lead, 8-5. Despite Oakland’s initial momentum, the Phoenix responded with a series of kills, tying the score at eight apiece. Green Bay continued their push, eventually taking a 13-10 lead as Oakland struggled to find consistent answers to Green Bay’s attack. Oakland attempted to rally with kills from Zapp and outside hitter Olivia Rust, but Green Bay maintained their momentum, closing the set to take the match lead.
The Golden Grizzlies faced a challenging fourth set against the Phoenix, with the visitors capturing early momentum through a series of offense. Green Bay set the tone by capitalizing on an attack error and a block to take a swift lead. Despite Oakland’s efforts, the Phoenix extended their advantage to 6-1 with a combination of kills and a service ace. Midway through the set, OU attempted to cut into the deficit with contributions from Rust and outside hitter Ella Martin. However, Green Bay maintained their lead with consistent offensive pressure. A late surge from Oakland, including a block by Zapp, brought them closer, but the Phoenix closed the set and match.
The Golden Grizzlies are back in action next weekend in Indianapolis to take on IU Indy Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25. The Horizon League match ups will be 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.