The women’s volleyball team clinched a significant victory this past Friday in their match against the Cleveland State Vikings in an intense five-set match at Wooding Gymnasium. Despite losing two of the first three sets, Oakland came back to secure the victory.
In this fiercely contested encounter, the Golden Grizzlies faced adversity in the form of dropping the first and third sets with scores of 25-17 and 25-20, respectively. The Vikings, who were well-prepared, executed a strategic game plan with precision.
The Golden Grizzlies, although possessing remarkable defensive capabilities, found themselves momentarily without answers to counter the Vikings’ strategic attacks.
However, the Grizzlies demonstrated their mettle and resilience by outplaying the Vikings in the second set with a score of 25-21. Their spirit and determination shone through as they clawed back to contention. Fueled by this momentum, the crucial win in the second set laid the foundation for a comeback in the final two sets, where they dominated with scores of 25-16 and 15-9, ultimately securing a memorable victory.
The Grizzlies showed their ability to read the game, anticipate plays and react swiftly and six players on the team recorded double-digit digs. They showed exceptional skills and tenacity throughout the game, with standout defensive performances from key players.
Emily Wichmann led the way with 27 digs, showcasing her prowess in the backline that left a lasting impact on the game. Notably, Kennedy Dolmage contributed significantly with 25 digs.
Additionally, Patti Cesarini’s role as a hitter extended beyond this, demonstrating her defensive acumen and registering 17 digs. Rachel Rossman had 13, and Ella Martin and Sarah Turner had 10.
This further emphasized the well-rounded defensive efforts that prevented their opponent from gaining an upper hand. Their collective achievements not only showcased their individual skills but also underscored the team’s commitment to all facets of the game.
On the offensive front, the Grizzlies made their presence felt with dynamic and powerful performances. Cesarini, Martin and Gentry Brown played crucial roles, each having 14 kills. The sophomore sensation Martin had an exceptional showing, which marked her personal best and was a career highlight, solidifying her importance to the team’s success.
As the regular-season schedule approaches its climax, Oakland is gearing up for its final two games of the season. Their upcoming match is against the Green Bay Phoenix on Friday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m.
The team is focused on making a resounding statement, and they are poised to take the court with a shared goal as they aim to conclude the season on a very high note. Following the match against Green Bay, the Golden Grizzlies will remain in the heartland of Wisconsin to take on Milwaukee in their conclusive contest of the season.
With their impressive recent performance, the team is locked in and ready to go, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for success, meticulously preparing and pushing their limits.
Oakland currently sits in fourth place in the Horizon League, and the final two games of the regular season will have a huge seeding impact on the conference tournament, which is set to begin on Friday, Nov. 17.
