Costa Mesa, CA-Menlo Women's Basketball has been on an absolute tear having now won six straight games, including a conference leading 4-0 record through the first two weeks of GSAC play. Not only is coach Shannon Spataro's team playing their best basketball of the year but they are operating like a well oiled buzzsaw that is dominating teams on both sides of the ball. Through four games the team is not only undefeated but winning their games but roughly 22 points on average. In three of the four outings they have had a 30 point quarter that has blown games wide open. They have also held some of the top players in the conference to below average shooting nights with Vanguards reigning Freshman of the Year Halle Si'i being the latest player to be shut down by the Oaks defense. The Lions guard would commit five turnovers while only hitting five shots for the game. There is plenty of basketball left but as it stands, the Oaks now hold sole possession of first place in the conference and are just getting started.

Jordyn Rosette Takes Over

At halftime the Oaks trailed 21-34 with Vanguard seemingly holding the momentum in front of their home crowd. That momentum was completely snuffed out thanks to the shot making and defensive prowess of Jordyn Rosette. In the third quarter Menlo would outscore Vanguard 30-7. Rosette was at the forefront of this scoring 13 points while also swiping two steals and coming up with a block. At one point the senior hit three straight threes flipping the score in favor of the Oaks. She would keep her foot on the gas as the fourth quarter rolled around with another eight points on perfect three of three shooting from the floor. By the time the final buzzer sounded Rosette scored a game high 24 points, had four steals, four assists and hit six shots from three. In a game featuring a top ten opponent and multiple all-conference players from last season, Rosette was the best player on the court when the Oaks needed her to be. Her defensive abilities coupled with a well rounded offensive game should see her continue to make a statement in the GSAC.

Menlo Turns Up the Pressure

While Rosette's individual play was the highlight of the day, Menlo's secret weapon was a devastating, full court press that pushed the Lions offense into chaos from the moment they inbounded the ball. In the third quarter, Menlo forced nine turnovers. The fourth quarter led to another six including eight Menlo steals. When it was all said and done, Menlo dominated in terms of points scored off of turnovers with 27. The Oaks have a deep roster filled with athletes capable of using their speed, strength and length to disrupt opposing ball handlers. That is exactly what they did and Vanguard could not figure out an answer.

Up Next…

This was arguably Menlo Women's Basketball's most impressive win of the year to date. Vanguard represents one of the top ten programs in the NAIA. Last year, the Oaks were unable to defeat them during the regular season and went down to the wire to upset the Lions in the GSAC tournament. Now Menlo has put together a dominant showing in hostile territory. Up next for the Oaks is a home game against UC Santa Cruz who they had already defeated earlier this year by a score of 67-58. Saturday will see a resume of conference play with northern California rival Jessup University coming to Haynes-Prim Pavilion. The two teams split the season series last season and now Menlo will look to keep the ball rolling and get to their seventh straight victory!