SANTA CRUZ, CA – In an electrifying matchup, Menlo Women's Basketball triumphed over UC Santa Cruz on Tuesday evening, showcasing their talents and teamwork on a road trip over the Pacific mountains. This victory marks an important step in the Oak's season as they continue to build momentum and refine their game for PacWest play.
Oak Stars
Amongst the outstanding performances from many Oaks, below are the outstanding….
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Jordyn Rosette: Dominated offensively, leading all scorers with 18 points, including four three-pointers. She also contributed 4 steals, disrupting the UC Santa Cruz passing lanes and fueling transition opportunities.
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Mehkia Applewhite: A powerhouse on the boards with 8 rebounds, 4 on the offensive end.
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Erin Sellers: Displayed excellent court vision, dishing out 5 assists to facilitate Menlo's offensive flow. Also contributed 15 points!
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Taylor Westbrook: Added a crucial block, anchoring the Oaks' defense in the paint.
A Battle Won in the Details
From the opening tip, Menlo set the tone with a high-energy performance, capitalizing on their strengths to outlast a determined Banana Slug squad. The Oaks showcased their defensive intensity, forcing 18 turnovers from the Banana Slugs, which they converted into 24 points on the other end. Menlo's depth was a full display, with contributions from the bench accounting for 37 points, demonstrating the team's versatility and balance.
Offensively, Menlo was efficient from beyond the arc, shooting 38% from the 3-point range compared to UC Santa Cruz's 25%. The Oaks also excelled in transition, scoring 19 fast-break points to keep the pressure on the Banana Slugs. Despite a physical game, Menlo's discipline shone through at the free-throw line, where they converted 75% of their attempts.
On the other side, UC Santa Cruz fought back, particularly in the third quarter. However, Menlo's composure and defensive stops in the final minutes sealed the victory. The Oaks' ability to adapt and execute under pressure was pivotal in securing the victory.
Up Next…
The Oaks continue to prove they are a force to be reckoned with this season! Fans can look forward to their next home game on Saturday, January 11th at 1pm against Fresno Pacific as they aim to build on this success and push their efforts to greater heights.
