Volleyball vs. Cleveland State: Midweek Match Preview

Golden Grizzlies Face Cleveland state in Crucial Midweek Volleyball Clash

oakland University’s volleyball team travels to Cleveland on Tuesday, October 28, for a pivotal Horizon League matchup against Cleveland State, seeking to rebound from a challenging weekend. The match, scheduled for 6 p.m. ET inside Woodling Gymnasium, will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

After falling to 5-6 in Horizon League play following a pair of losses to IU Indy last weekend, the Golden grizzlies aim to regain momentum as the season progresses. Despite the recent setbacks, Oakland continues to demonstrate offensive prowess, currently ranking fifth nationally – and first in the Horizon League – in team attacks per set with an notable 38.30. This translates to a total of 3,217 swings, placing them 17th in the NCAA.

Did you know? – Oakland’s high number of attacks per set indicates a fast-paced offensive strategy, aiming to overwhelm opponents with volume. This aggressive approach is a hallmark of Head Coach Krista Rice’s system.

Scouting the Opponent: Cleveland State Vikings

Cleveland State enters Tuesday’s contest with a 5-17 overall record and a 3-8 mark in Horizon League competition, positioning them ninth in the conference standings. The Vikings have secured league victories against Robert Morris and completed a series sweep of Purdue Fort Wayne.

The Golden Grizzlies previously defeated Cleveland State earlier this season, securing a 3-1 victory inside the OU Credit Union O’rena on September 29th. That match saw a standout performance from several Oakland players, with five Golden Grizzlies achieving career highs. Libby Smith, an outside hitter, led the charge with 22 kills and a .367 hitting percentage. Setter Delaney Stern orchestrated the offense with 55 assists, while libero Lyse Bates recorded 26 digs, tying her career best.

Pro tip: – Effective serving can disrupt an opponent’s offense. Focusing on aggressive serves and targeting weak receivers can create scoring opportunities and put pressure on Cleveland State.

Key Players Driving Oakland’s Performance

Several Golden Grizzlies have been instrumental in the team’s success this season.Outside hitter Ella Martin has emerged as a key offensive threat, contributing 11 kills across the two matches against IU Indy and earning her second start of the season on Friday evening. Lyse Bates continues to anchor the defense with consistent double-digit dig performances, while Delaney Stern consistently powers the offense, recently achieving another double-double.

fans can follow Oakland Volleyball on X at @OaklandWVB and head coach Krista Rice at @KKg1007. The team also maintains an active presence on Instagram.

The Golden Grizzlies will look to capitalize on their offensive strengths and defensive resilience as they face Cleveland State in this crucial Horizon League contest.

Reader question: – What adjustments do you think Oakland needs to make after the losses to IU Indy to secure a win against Cleveland State? Share your thoughts!

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