Northern Kentucky and Oakland Outlast Opponents in Five Sets

#HLVB Scoreboard
No. 3 Northern Kentucky  3, No. 6 Valparaiso 2
No. 4 Oakland 3, No. 5 Milwaukee 2

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Northern Kentucky Outlasts Valparaiso in Five Sets

CLEVELAND- In a battle of teams playing well of late, Northern Kentucky edged out Valparaiso in five set thriller as the Norse advanced to the semifinals.

The Crusaders came out strong early behind the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year, Morganne Longoria and took the first set 25-20. The second set didn't come easy for either team as the Norse avoided an 0-2 deficit to win 29-27. The third set was highlighted by Valparaiso coming back from a 24-22 deficit to win the set 27-25. The Norse did not back down and climbed ahead down the stretch of the fourth set with a 25-21 advantage. The match was decided in the fifth and final set when the Norse pulled away to win 15-11 after being tied at six points apiece.

All-League Team member Haley Libs was a force for the Norse as she compiled 24 kills and 24 digs to pace Northern Kentucky in the match. Taylor Snyder guided the offense with 68 assists and chipped in on the defensive side with 14 digs. Georgia Childers played big with eight blocks, and Keely Creamer added 16 kills.

In defeat, Valparaiso was once again led by Longoria who capped off her career with 30 assists and 31 digs in the match. Taylor Graboski ended her season on a high note leading the team with 20 kills.

Northern Kentucky will match up against Green Bay in the semifinals tomorrow at 6:00pm ET at Woodling Gym. The match will air on ESPN3.

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Oakland Takes Down Milwaukee in Five Sets

CLEVELAND- In the second game of the doubleheader at Woodling Gym, the Golden Grizzlies came out victorious in five sets as well.

The match featured two teams that had played just one week ago, but fortunately for Oakland a much better result after Milwaukee won in straight sets. The first four sets were played very closely as neither team gained the upper hand until late in the sets. The experience of the Golden Grizzlies proved to be the difference as Oakland scored the first three points of the fifth set and never looked back winning 15-8.

Oakland played well defensively and Alli Gutschow was a big reason why. The senior made her presence felt by recording 31 digs and tacked on one of the team's nine service aces. All-League Honorable Mention Melissa Deatsch had another solid performance as the senior tallied 12 kills and 24 digs. The lefty, Jessica Dood led the team in kills with 15 in the match.

As the season came to a close tonight for Milwaukee, they have reason to be optimistic for the future especially with the play of freshman Bridget Wallenberger. The middle blocker had 19 kills on the evening and made her presence felt around the net. Myanna Ruiz ended the campaign and collegiate career with 32 digs.

Oakland will now take on No. 1 Cleveland State in the semifinals with the match set to take place at 3:00pm ET in Woodling Gym. The match will be airing on ESPN3.

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#HLVB Saturday, November 19
No. 4 Oakland at No. 1 Cleveland State, 3:00pm ET
No. 3 Northern Kentucky vs. No. 2 Green Bay, 6:00pm ET