Atherton, CA-Menlo Men's Volleyball has kickstarted a new win streak this season having won two in a row after an undefeated run through the Oak Invitational. Today's match saw Menlo take on the Simpson Redhawks for the second time this season and once again sweep them in three sets to push their record to 7-1 overall. It was an outstanding team effort with familiar faces and new Oaks all making an impact!
The Kane Twins Have a Day
From the first serve of the day brothers Connell and Jack Kane were locked in with the pair earning the starting nod from head coach Todd Hollenbeck. Connell was immaculate on the offensive side of the net with five kills that came with a perfect 1.000 hitting percentage. The junior could not miss while on the attack while also adding two service aces and two block assists to his resume on the year. The other half of the Kane duo, Jack, was just as impactful in his three sets of action as well. Jack submitted a team high 10 kills while also hitting a very solid .526 for the day. On top of his work recording kills for the Oaks, Jack also led the team on the defensive side with a team high nine digs as well. It was an impressive starting debut for the brothers out of El Dorado Hills who figure to be mainstays in the teams rotation all season long!
Freshmen Oaks Make Their Mark
Another great highlight of the day was seeing so many new Oaks get on the court throughout the match! Mark Ensalaco started things off with an emphatic attack and kill right through the center of Simpson's defense. While the point scored was impressive, the following reaction by his teammates including a loud shout and flex from Ensalaco himself ignited the crowd inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion. Andre Yarme would follow up his fellow freshman with his first highlight as an Oak as well. Yarme took on some responsibilities as a server for the Oaks throughout the night. He would chip in one of the Oaks eight service aces with a beautifully placed serve that dropped right in between the entire Redhaks defense for a Menlo point!
Up Next…
Menlo will now prepare to face their biggest test of the year with number two ranked Benedictine University Mesa coming to Atherton. February 21st will be one to circle on calendars with two top ten programs going head to head. Look to the Oaks to make a statement next week on their home court!
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)
