Santa Cruz,California- For the first time ever, Menlo Tennis season is officially underway. The Oaks spent their Super Bowl Sunday competing against the Banana Slugs of UC Santa Cruz in what would be a close, down to the last matchup, finish. 

Building the Program

This would be the second time the Oaks have taken to the court this season. Earlier in the week Menlo traveled across the bay to take one the Chabot Gladiators. It was a strong start to their season as they defeated the junior college 8-1, swept all three doubles matches and only lost one singles matchup. 

A Back and Forth Affair

Against the Banana Slugs the Oaks got off to a slow start. Santa Cruz would win all three doubles matches to start the day. Yet, Menlo kept their composure heading into the singles portion of the day. Luis Hochenauer & Saar Rogovski got Menlo on the board winning both their matches. After losing the third singles set, Menlo once again won two in a row thanks to the efforts of Angel Roldan & Ruben Russwurm. By the time the final singles match rolled around it was all tied up 4-4. Unfortunately, After battling back from an early deficit Menlo fell just short in the final match.

Up Next..

It has been a solid start to the year for the budding program. Menlo has already established themselves as a team not to be taken lightly despite 2023 being their inaugural season. Both the men and women's team will be back on the court Friday, February 17th against the ranked Westcliff Warriors. It will be the first time the 21st ranked Menlo Women's team takes the court! Be sure to come out and support Menlo's newest addition to the athletic family!