Merced, CA-In their third match of the year Menlo Men's Volleyball pulled off the reverse sweep in a gritty, 3-2 victory over the Bobcats. It was a total team effort that saw multiple players stuff the statsheet. In the end, the Oaks put points on the board when it mattered most and won three straight matches to bring home another victory!
Oaks Turn the Tables
Early on the Bobcats seized control winning the first set 26-24 and the second by a score of 25-20. Menlo was able to keep things close in both sets but a few untimely errors would give Merced just enough of an edge to pull out the 2-0 lead. Yet, the tides would turn as Menlo's offense began to come alive. Across the final three sets, as a team the Oaks hitting percentage was a stellar .300 across the final three frames of play.
Individually, it was another day in which Konrad Stoklosinski led Menlo with a match-high 19 kills. For good measure he added in a service ace and six digs. Stoklosinski has picked up right where he left off from last season and is continuing to be the focal point of the Oaks attack.
The pair of Connell Kane and Gabriel Knittel were also highly effective serving all match long as the duo combined for 10 service aces with each chipping in five. In fact, those 10 aces would be more than the entire UC Merced team as a whole with the Bobcats only managing six aces total.
Will Lawler continues to be the spark that ignites much of the Menlo's game plan as he chipped in 35 assists and eight digs. Lawler has emerged as a key piece of coach Hollenbeck's rotation and is undergoing an emergence as a breakout player. This is now his second straight game of at least 35 assists.
Lastly, freshman Wojciech Nowak continues to shine in his first year as an Oak. He added 11 kills and two service aces to his offensive resume while also maintaining at defensive edge as well. He also had six digs and was perfect on serves going without a single service error.
Up Next…
The boys will now take some time off from game action. The Oaks will be off through February 8th before hitting the road for a three game road trip to Sylvania, Ohio. While there they will take on Lourdes University, Georgetown College and William Penn University with a chance to move to 6-0! It's a great opportunity for the team to continue their upward climb from their seventh overall rank in the NAIA!
Menlo College is currently a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). To learn more about Menlo Athletics visit www.menloathletics.com or follow Menlo Athletics on Instagram (@menloathletics), X (@MenloAthletics) or Facebook (Menlo College Athletic).
