SAN DIMAS, CA – Women's Volleyball took the Semifinals match against Life Pacific in five sets to punch their ticket to the Championship match! It was an all-out battle from both sides of the court the entire match where Menlo found the power to overcome with great offense and collective team defense to move on in the GSAC tournament. In a post match interview, Maya Saole-Su'e said, "Our team was relentless and wanted to be consistent and play our best volleyball that we could…We had to earn every point, [Life Pacific] weren't just going to hand them to us".
Back-And-Forth Until the End
The Oaks were able to tie the first set 21-21 before it fell in favor of the Warriors, 23-25. A fire was lit after that set because Menlo opened with a 5-point run before Life Pacific was even able to score a point. The early lead set the tone for the rest of the set and a Gabriella MacKenzie kill sealed the second set win, 25-17. Menlo took the third set in an orderly fashion with two different 7-point runs. Ayann Barham would receive a set from Paige Harmann to slam it down for a 25-11 domination. Life Pacific got their mojo back and were able to win set four 21-25 to take the match to five. The fifth set was in the Oaks hands the whole way through. Life Pacific made their way back in an effort to come from behind, but Katharine Mumm would send a final kill to win the set, 15-11. This victory would not come without good communication and the willingness to lay it all out on the floor to make a play!
Saole-Su'e Leads the Way to Menlo Victory
In a team-by-team comparison, Menlo dominates in all categories. Menlo earned 60 kills versus the Warriors 47. The Oaks launched 7 aces off of Life Pacific compared to just 4 from Life. Where the Oaks were most dominant was their blocking. Sophomore middle blocker, Maya Saole-Su'e, totaled 9 of the Oaks 17 total blocks tonight. Su'e also added 9 kills hitting at .467%. The kills leader was senior Gabriella MacKenzie with 15 kills. Paige Harmann would dish 30 assists with Beatrice Manzon right beside with 24 assists. Amey Rainaud-Hinds was starting libero once again and totaled 16 digs as well as 2 aces and 3 assists. The team effort was apparent with strong performances from Menlo's offensive and defensive specialists!
Up Next…
Menlo will be facing off against Vanguard University for the GSAC Championship Match happening in San Dimas, CA at 6pm! Live stream link will be available.
