COSTA MESA, CA – Menlo Women's Basketball hit the road once again this week for their second PacWest Conference matchup of the season on Thursday night, taking on Vanguard University after opening the week at Azusa Pacific. Despite a strong second-quarter surge and multiple defensive highlights, the Oaks fell on the road as the Lions protected their home floor.

Strong Defensive Moments

• Alberte Frisch – team-high scoring run sparked by a personal 7-0 stretch in the second quarter

• Frida Schmidt – key defensive boards and a momentum-tying three-pointer at 4:00 in the second quarter

• Zoe Carrillo – efficient on the interior with a late-quarter layup and contributions on the glass

• Taylor Westbrook – steady presence with two first-quarter buckets in the paint

• Jayonnah Carter - made her presence felt on the court with eight points, four assists, and 2 steals

• Strong fast-break presence, generating transition scores through multiple steals

• Effective second-quarter run: 18-12 scoring advantage over a six-minute stretch

• Bench impact points from Frisch, Westbrook, and Ceron-Romero

Menlo's Road Rally Falls Short

Both teams opened with defensive intensity, combining for multiple stops and turnovers through the opening four minutes. Menlo found its early rhythm behind Alberte Frisch, who sparked the scoreboard with a fast-break layup after a steal from Carter. Shortly after, Kimberly Ceron-Romero and Taylor Westbrook added inside finishes to bring Menlo within two. Vanguard used timely outside shooting and second-chance opportunities, allowing the Lions to hold an early lead despite Menlo's active defensive efforts, highlighted by blocks from Ceron-Romero and quick hands generating steals from Angel Allen and Frisch.

The Oaks came alive with their strongest stretch of the night. Down 21-8, Menlo pieced together a multi-possession run fueled by defensive stops from Schmidt and Carrillo. Frisch ignited the surge with a jumper, followed by a three-pointer, and another mid-range score moments later. A free throw from Carrillo and a driving finish from Carter cut the deficit to just three with 5 minutes before half. Schmidt delivered the equalizer, a deep three with 4:00 left, to tie the game at 21-21. Menlo dominated transition during this span, forcing turnovers and attacking the paint. Vanguard responded with late-quarter makes, including a three in the final seconds, sending the Oaks into halftime down 26-33 despite winning much of the quarter's statistical categories.

Across the opening half, Menlo produced advantages in fast-break scoring, paint touches, and bench contribution, while also grabbing several key defensive rebounds to keep possessions alive. Their defensive pressure forced numerous Vanguard turnovers, translating into points on the other end.

Up Next

Menlo returns to the court on Saturday, December 6, to conclude their week of PacWest Conference play with a matchup against the Westmont College Warriors. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM as the Oaks look to close the road trip with a strong performance.