In preparation for an arduous road trip this weekend, the Michigan volleyball team (4-2 Big Ten, 8-5 overall) took on Oakland (1-3 Mid-Continent, 5-11) at Cliff Keen Arena last night. The Wolverines extended their winning streak to five games and remained unbeaten at home this year, as they easily defeated the Golden Grizzlies in straight games.
- Paul Wong
- The Wolverines are flying high after a relatively easy win over Oakland yesterday.<br><br>ALYSSA WOOD/Daily
The nonconference matchup gave Michigan some valuable game experience without overly taxing the team.
In the first game, the Wolverines jumped out to an early 8-1 lead, sparked by three consecutive kills by junior Katrina Lehman. Michigan used this early lead to carry it on to an easy 30-15 victory over the weaker Oakland squad.
Sophomore middle blocker Erin Moore led the Michigan attack as she scored six kills in as many attempts. Her perfect performance included the game-winner.
“I think overall we were just more athletic,” Moore said.
In the second game, Oakland was able to stay with the Wolverines at the beginning, but the greatest difference between games one and two was in the Wolverines” lineup. Partway through the first game and for the rest of the match, senior Annie Maxwell replaced Lehman. While Lehman iced her knees (which have been a chronic problem since last season), Maxwell went to work scoring a career-high eight kills in the match.
The Wolverines took advantage of one of their greatest assets depth the Michigan bench provided 11 kills for the evening.
“I think we”ve been pretty deep all year, and that”s something that has been one of our strengths,” coach Mark Rosen said.
After the intermission, the Wolverines came out looking to put the match away. It seemed like Michigan would easily achieve this goal as they opened up a 5-1 lead. But the Grizzlies would deny them such an easy victory as they went on a 5-1 run of their own.
Oakland maintained this momentum and the Wolverines looked to be running out of time as the Grizzlies opened a 21-15 lead.
It was here that Michigan made its stand. The Wolverines went on a run to tie the game at 22. The teams traded points back and forth, neither willing to lose, until Michigan broke Oakland to take a 27-25 lead.
As she has so many times already this season, Moore slammed home the game winning kill to secure the Michigan victory.
“I saw a lot more of the court than I usually do because the block was not as big. So I was able to get on top of the ball more,” Moore said.
Tying Moore with a match-high 13 kills was freshman Jennifer Gandolph, who extended her streak of double-doubles to six matches as she recorded 11 digs last night. The Wolverines are an impressive 7-1 when Gandolph scores a double-double.