ATHERTON, CA – Menlo College Women's Soccer battled to a 0-0 stalemate against the Sunbirds of Fresno Pacific University on Saturday morning at Wunderlich Field. The PacWest Conference matchup was part of Menlo's OAKtoberfest Alumni and Family Weekend, with the Oaks showing grit and composure throughout a tense 90 minutes of play.
Menlo Posts Clean Sheet
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Menlo recorded 12 total shots, including 5 on goal, while holding Fresno Pacific to just 9 shots and 3 on target.
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Goalkeeper Giorgia Melcore earned her third clean sheet of the season, tallying 3 key saves.
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Aaliyah Alatorre and Haley Dunham led the Oaks with multiple scoring chances early in both halves.
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Menlo earned 3 corner kicks and effectively defended 6 from the Sunbirds.
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The Oaks backline, anchored by Sarah Naumu and Kaylin Gonzalez, held strong to deny several late threats.
Defense Shines
The first half opened with energy from both sides, as the Oaks pushed the tempo in front of a lively OAKtoberfest crowd. Menlo's first look came in the third minute when Haley Dunham fired a shot just over the crossbar. Shortly after, Aaliyah Alatorre forced an early save from the Sunbirds' keeper. The Oaks continued to apply pressure with shots from Verenia Gonzalez and Kaylin Gonzalez, but Fresno Pacific's defense held firm. On the other end, Melcore calmly handled every test.
The second half mirrored the first, with Menlo creating consistent attacking sequences through the midfield. Kawai Acopan nearly broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute with a driven shot to the lower corner that was denied by the Fresno Pacific goalkeeper. Minutes later, Dunham and Avery Grieve each found space inside the box, only to be stopped by impressive saves. The Oaks controlled possession for much of the half but were unable to find the finishing touch. Defensively, Menlo stayed composed through the final minutes, with Melcore making two key saves in the 82nd minute to preserve the shutout.
Across 90 minutes, Menlo outshot Fresno Pacific 12-9, with a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Oaks recorded three corner kicks and were whistled for nine fouls, while Fresno Pacific totaled six corners and seven fouls.
Up Next
Menlo Women's Soccer continues PacWest Conference play next weekend as they travel to San Rafael, CA, to take on the Dominican University Penguins on Saturday, October 25 at 12:30 p.m. The Oaks will look to build on their defensive momentum and earn key conference points on the road.
