HILO, HI – The first of the final three matches of the season had Menlo Women's Volleyball controlling much of the third set before a late push by UH Hilo countered the momentum for a Vulcans 3-0 (11-25, 14-25, 26-28) Pacific West Conference victory on their home floor Wednesday.

Oaks Highlights
-Ruby Santos' 22 assists were her highest total for a three-set match this year
-A diversified attack saw five Oaks with five or more kills paced by eight from Dayjah McFadden
-Emily Licon led the team in digs (13) for the second straight match

Third Set Marked By Multiple Menlo Rallies
With their own Senior Night crowd in their corner, UH Hilo started the match on an 8-4 run and though the margin was shortened by freshman outside hitter Dayjah McFadden's kill, an 8-2 run ensued which helped push the home team to its eventual 25-11 victory. In the second frame, a 6-6 tie was broken up by the Vulcans' 8-1 surge and, despite multiple kills from McFadden, senior middle blocker Janet Moala, and senior middle blocker/opposite Maya Saole-Su'e down the stretch, UH Hilo walked away 25-14 winners.

A shift occurred in the third set as a 6-1 Menlo surge came early with junior outside hitter Fuka Kikuchi, freshman middle blocker/opposite Sophia Kelso, and Saole-Su'e all sending down kills. Though the Vulcans climbed back into it, the Oaks separated from an 8-8 deadlock with a 6-2 run highlighted by a block combining Moala and Saole-Su'e. UH Hilo once more cut the margin down, but back-to-back kills from McFadden set by junior setter/defensive specialist Ruby Santos had Menlo on the verge of set point at 23-19. The visitors did see three opportunities to close out the frame yet a determined 9-3 response from UH Hilo ended up concluding the night at 28-26 in favor of the home team.

Up Next
Remaining in Hawaii for the rest of the week, the Oaks' next rematch Chaminade at 6 p.m. HT (8 p.m. PT) on Nov. 14.