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Central Michigan University

September 3, 2011 by · Comments Off on Central Michigan University 

Central Michigan UniversityCentral Michigan University, Alissa Valentine had 49 assists and Meghan Bray led the team with 15 kills, as the Oakland University volleyball team (3-2) destroyed a five-set victory at Central Michigan (1-3) Friday night at the Center Athletics O’rena. The Golden Grizzlies took the match with set scores of 25-18, 26-24, 18-25, 21-25, 15-12.

“This was a fantastic match and a great victory for us,” said coach Rob Beam. “I think I’m most proud of the fact that we matched Central Michigan turn-by-turn and kill for kill.”

The deciding set was dominated by the front line of Oakland, which recorded six deaths jump to help Oakland to a 9-6 advantage. The Chippewas closed within 9-8, but Katie Horling killed the ball to give an advantage of 8.10 OU and stop the rally. The Grizzlies stretched the lead to 12-8 before finally winning the September 15 to 12 to claim victory.

The Golden Grizzlies took an early lead, winning the first set 25-18, after jumping to a 17-10 advantage after the heavy blows of Bray and Holbrook Britain. Oakland duo combined for 11 deaths in the set.

The second set was tight, before separate OU to take a 22-18 advantage. However, Kaitlyn McIntyre served two aces in the next four points and tied the set at 22-22. Bray put Oakland back in front to get the last two kills to win the game.

Central Michigan fought back to win the third set 25-18, with no end in the set. The Chippewas took an early lead in the fourth set, taking advantage of the mistakes of Oakland and play strong McIntyre. Black Gold and fought with half bell batters and Horling Allison leading the charge to keep close together, but the Chippewas were too strong and tied the game with the victory 25 to 21 September.

“We’ve shown great courage in this season,” said Beam. “We have had many players step up this year and our depth really came through when we needed it.”

Oakland back in action Saturday in the final game of the Golden Grizzlies Invitational, taking into Wright State at 7 pm in the O’rena. Central Michigan and play Wright State at noon.

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