ATHERTON, CA – Back inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion less than 24 hours after a thrilling Pacific West Conference victory over Biola, Menlo Women's Volleyball countered Vanguard with a third set win, but ultimately could not battle back, dropping a 3-1 (15-25, 16-25, 25-19, 16-25) decision to the Lions on Saturday.

Oaks Highlights
-14 Kills from Fuka Kikuchi marked her 12th time in double figures this year
-Jolianna Salazar led Menlo with 15 assists
-Sophia Kelso & Dayjah McFadden posted a pair of service aces apiece
-A season-best nine digs came off the hands of Ava Wennerstrom

Menlo Controls Third Set, But Lions Hold On
Even through the first eight points of the afternoon, Menlo briefly led 6-5 following a kill by freshman outside hitter Dayjah McFadden, but a 6-1 run by the visitors shifted momentum. The Oaks came as close as four points thereafter when freshman middle blocker/opposite Sophia Kelso followed up a kill with a service ace yet the end result was a 25-15 win for Vanguard. The Lions created another separation from 4-4 in the second set, forcing a 15-9 margin that was cut to four before VU regained its rhythm by closing the 25-16 victory with a 7-2 burst.

Junior outside hitter Fuka Kikuchi connected on three kills during a 13-7 start to the third frame as Menlo finished strong, using a 5-1 late push highlighted by McFadden's kill and service ace to propel a 25-19 start to the potential comeback. Kikuchi and senior middle blocker Janet Moala each offered kills to keep the fourth set close at 11-9 ahead of an 8-2 run by Vanguard. Down the stretch, a five-point difference at 20-15 became 25-16 thanks to another run by the Lions.

Up Next
With its October home slate now complete, the Oaks are set to close out the month at Jessup on Oct. 30 starting with a 7 p.m. first serve.