Fishers, IND – In a dominant performance to cap off the Butler Volleyball Invitational, the Butler Bulldogs swept the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in straight sets (25-22, 25-18, 25-18) on Saturday afternoon at the Fishers Event Center. The victory, which improved Butler’s record to 7-6 on the season, highlighted the team’s potent offense and stifling defense, which held the young Oakland squad in check throughout the contest. For Oakland, the loss drops their record to 0-12 as they head into conference play.

➡️  Butler vs Oakland photos

The first set started competitively, with both teams exchanging points in the early stages. Oakland’s offense was led by freshman opposite hitter Caroline Moore, who recorded seven kills on the day. However, Butler found their rhythm with Alaleh Tolliver leading the charge, and the Bulldogs were able to build a small lead. Despite a resilient effort from the Golden Grizzlies, Butler closed out the set with a decisive kill to take it 25-22.

Butler’s momentum continued into the second set. The Bulldogs’ offense, orchestrated by setter Kaylee Finnegan, was efficient and powerful. Butler capitalized on a series of Oakland errors and strong plays at the net to pull away mid-set. While Oakland showed flashes of their potential, they were unable to overcome Butler’s consistent play and fell in the second set, 25-18.

The third and final set saw Butler take an early lead and never look back. The Bulldogs’ defense was particularly effective, limiting Oakland’s hitting percentage and not allowing any Golden Grizzly to reach double-digit kills for the match. Oakland did manage a late surge, highlighted by back-to-back kills from Libby Smith, but the Bulldogs maintained their composure and sealed the sweep with a final kill, taking the set 25-18.

Statistically, the match was a clear display of Butler’s superiority. The Bulldogs outkilled Oakland 47 to 24 and out-assisted them 45 to 22. Butler libero Lauren Evans was a force on defense, notching 20 digs in the contest, while Alaleh Tolliver paced the offense with 18 kills. For Oakland, setter Mya Kattula had a strong performance with 18 assists and 10 digs, securing her fourth career double-double. However, it was Butler’s all-around strong play that secured the victory and gave them a great finish to their home tournament.