Atherton, CA- Menlo Women's Volleyball has officially begun their quest for a GSAC Championship with their conference home opener against the visiting ACU Firestorm. Heading into their first conference matchup the Oaks were a strong 8-3, including a victory over second ranked Corban University, throughout their preseason schedule. From the jump Menlo was locked in winning the first set 25-18 enroute to outscoring the Firestorm 75-52 across all three sets.

Defensive Domination

The Oaks continued to make their presence felt defensively as they produced more digs and blocks than ACU. Amey Rainaud-Hinds has established herself as one of the premier liberos in the NAIA as she entered tonight's match 14th in the nation in total digs and digs per set. The star sophomore would go on to post a match high 17 digs as she continues to play at a high level. Fellow sophomore Maya Saole-Su'e has also been playing at a high level and tonight's match was no different. Saole-Su'e ended the night with a match high six block assists as well as another solo block. Her presence in the middle has been a nightmare for opposing teams as she also added another seven kills to her resume as well. 

Team Effort on Offense

Offensively the Oaks put forth a very diverse and efficient outing. Alongside Saole-Su'e's seven kills Gabriella MacKenzie would also add her own seven kills while hitting at a .583 clip. Both Katharine Mumm and Giulia Marinelli would add six kills of their own while also combining for seven total blocks. These three are currently second, third and fourth on the team for total kills and will continue to be focal points of head coach Denise Sheldon's attack. Lastly, junior setter Beatrice Manzon has continued her reign as the teams leader in service aces. Manzon would add another three aces to her box score including an impressive back to back aces during the third set to give the Oaks the lead after being tied at 14-14.

Up Next…

The Oaks now sit at 9-3 on the season and a 1-0 record in conference play. They will have little time to rest on their laurels as the team is back in action tomorrow at 12PM against the visiting OUAZ Spirit. The Spirit are currently 7-3 on their season and have won seven matches straight coming into Atherton. The Oaks are also riding a six game winning streak which sets up tomorrow's showdown as an important one as GSAC play is officially underway!