ATHERTON, CA – In a gripping PacWest matchup inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion, Menlo Women's Basketball narrowly fell to Dominican University, 54-63. The game was a showcase of defensive grit and determination as both teams battled for control until the final buzzer. After a short break for the Holidays, these two teams will have another chance to face off on January 4th!
Key Performers Shine
In a tight match-up, there were a a few Oaks that stuck out,
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Jordyn Rosette led the Oaks with 14 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including two three-pointers. She also added 7 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 2 assists, delivering an all-around standout performance.
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Laila Saenz contributed 11 points, hitting 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, and added 4 rebounds in 22 minutes of action.
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Erin Sellers provided offensive energy with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, showing her playmaking ability throughout the game.
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Mehkia Applewhite made her presence felt on the boards, grabbing 8 rebounds and contributing 5 points.
A Battle of Wills
The first quarter set the tone for a tightly contested game, with both teams finding opportunities in transition. Menlo's defensive intensity was evident, recording 9 blocks and 10 steals across the game. However, turnovers proved costly, as Dominican converted 16 Oaks' turnovers into 13 points.
Dominican gained momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Menlo 25-14 to take control at halftime. The Oaks found success in the fourth quarter with a 22-point surge, led by Rosette's and Saenz's timely shooting, but Dominican's balanced attack held firm to secure the victory. Despite the loss, the Oaks showcased their depth and defensive capabilities, limiting Dominican to just 5 three-pointers on 16 attempts. Menlo also dominated fast-break opportunities, scoring 13 points in transition compared to Dominican's 8.
Up Next…
With key contributions from both starters and the bench, the Oaks demonstrated their potential to challenge top teams in the PacWest. Menlo will look to bounce back stronger in their next matchup, which just so happens to be the Penguins once again. On January 4th, 2025, the Oaks will be in San Rafael for a 1pm tip-off.
