Oakland City, Ind. –The Oakland City women's volleyball team opened strong but couldn't maintain momentum, dropping a 3–1 decision to visiting Cumberland (TN) on Tuesday evening inside Johnson Center.
The Oaks (3–1) jumped ahead by taking the first set 25–18, capitalizing on steady play at the net and a balanced attack. However, Cumberland (11–3) responded with poise, winning the next three sets 25–19, 25–20, 25–18 to close out the match.
Oakland City was paced by Eva Hamann, who posted 12 kills, 9 digs, and 3 blocks, while Elleanor Stark added 7 kills and 18 digs. Setter Libby Mehringer dished out 23 assists and chipped in 10 digs, and libero Julianna Rettig anchored the defense with a team-high 30 digs.
Cumberland countered with a strong front line led by Hazel Konkel (12 kills, .480 hitting percentage, 5 blocks) and Haley Mitchell (12 kills, 4 blocks). Setter Carlee Rogers ran the offense with 34 assists, while Lila Cade and Naomi Wiersma contributed key kills down the stretch. Defensively, the Phoenix tallied 90 digs, with Lila Cade (27 digs) and Morgan Snead (22 digs) leading the effort.
Oakland City hit just .077 as a team, struggling to find rhythm after the first set, while Cumberland finished with 45 kills, 12 blocks, and 8 service aces to control the match.
The loss marks Oakland City's first setback of the season, while Cumberland extends its strong start to 11–3.
The Oaks return to action later this week as they continue their non-conference slate, looking to regroup after a hard-fought match at home.
