Ashland, OR-Menlo Women's Basketball kicked off the NAIA National Tournament today with a matchup against the Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders. For their efforts during the regular season, the Oaks earned a five seed and a short trip up north to Ashland to play at Southern Oregon University. Despite the Blue Raiders being a 12 seed the game would be a close affair that was highlighted by clutch shot making and great defensive effort. In the end, coach Shannon Spataro's squad dug deep and pulled out a gritty win to advance to the second round!
Shay Boley Second Half Takeover
At the start of the fourth the score would be tied 50-50 with Menlo unable to create separation early. It was evident that the Oaks needed someone to galvanize them and senior point guard Shay Boley was more than up to the task. Across the final two quarters of play Boley scored 13 points, grabbed four rebounds, dished out three assists and made all five of her field goal attempts. Not only was she critical in closing the door on the Blue Raiders comeback attempt but for the game she played a game high 35 minutes. Boley finished the day with 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two blocks and four steals. It may be Boley's final season in a Menlo jersey but she made sure that today would not be her last time running the point for the Oaks!
Oaks Crank Up the Pressure
Right away coaches Spataro, Rogers and Woo made the call to let the team apply full court pressure that had Lindsey Wilson scrambling from the start. With an array of athletic forwards and quick guards the Oaks were able to create chaos on the defensive end. Boley along with Jordyn Rosette each swiped four steals. Thanks to an effective diamond press that saw these two on the front lines, the smaller guards from Lindsey Wilson found themselves constantly facing double teams and traps that eliminated passing lanes. Jasmyne Huggins was also disruptive with two steals to go along with 17 points and nine rebounds.
Closing It Out in the Fourth
In the end the final quarter of play would be the one to seal the deal. Menlo elevated their play the way they have all season and closed out the game when it mattered. In the fourth the Oaks hit their stride on the offensive side shooting 73% from the floor and 67% from three. Alberte Frisch added five points in the quarter including a three with 59 seconds on the clock to push Menlo's lead to five. While Menlo couldn't miss, they held Lindsey Wilson to only a 40% field goal percentage and forced three big time turnovers. To officially "ice" the game Kiara Brown and Shay Boley would both step to the free throw line after drawing fouls with under 20 seconds on the clock. The veteran duo made all four attempts and officially sent the Oaks on to the second round!
Up Next…
Menlo now turns their attention to the host Southern Oregon Raiders. Earlier this year the two teams faced off in Atherton with SOU escaping with a three point victory. That game was roughly three months ago and this Oak's team is battle tested and ready for a little payback. The madness of March is in full swing and Menlo is right in the thick of it!
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)
