STANFORD, CA – Menlo Men's Volleyball took a short trip down El Camino Real to face Stanford University inside Maples Pavilion for an intense MPSF Conference matchup on Saturday night. The Oaks put up a valiant fight against the nationally-ranked Cardinal but ultimately fell in a competitive three-set battle.

Oak Standouts:

• Ty Carson - 9 kills, 2 blocks, 2 assists, 1 ace

• Wojciech Nowak - 6 kills, 4 digs, 3 aces, 1 solo block

• Gabriel Knittel - 7 kills, 1 block

• Mustafa Selçuk Uyar - 5 kills, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 4 digs

• Mark Ensalaco - 5 kills, 1 ace, 2 digs

• William Lawler - 29 assists, 3 blocks, 2 digs, 1 kill

A Back-and-Forth Battle

The opening set featured 10 ties and six lead changes, with the Oaks staying within striking distance throughout. Ty Carson led the offense with four kills on a .500 hitting percentage, while Wojciech Nowak and Gabriel Knittel also contributed. Setter William Lawler dished out 12 assists, keeping the attack balanced. Defensively, Mustafa Selcuk-Uyar and Nowak each tallied three digs, and Menlo won a key challenge late in the set, but Stanford closed it out with a strong attack.

Menlo stayed competitive in the second set, battling through nine ties and three lead changes. Another early challenge win helped maintain momentum, while Nowak (6 kills), Selcuk-Uyar (5 kills), and Carson (5 kills) led the offense. Lawler distributed 18 assists, and Melchor and Selcuk-Uyar each recorded four digs. The set was deadlocked at 22-22 before Stanford found a late push to secure the frame.

The final set saw Menlo continue to fight, with Lawler orchestrating the attack with 29 assists, while Melchor, Nowak, and Selcuk-Uyar each posted four digs. The Oaks remained within one point at 22-23 after two successful challenges by Coach Todd Hollenbeck, but a late service error allowed Stanford to close out the match.

Hustle Performances & Highlights

Despite the 0-3 result, the Oaks demonstrated impressive individual efforts that kept them competitive throughout the match. Ty Carson showcased his offensive firepower, leading the team with 9 total kills while hitting at an efficient rate. Wojciech Nowak also played a pivotal role, notching multiple kills in every set and delivering three crucial service aces. Gabriel Knittel was flawless at the net, posting a perfect hitting percentage through the first two sets and tallying a total of seven kills.

Menlo's defensive unit also stood tall against Stanford's high-powered offense. Mustafa Selcuk-Uyar displayed his all-around skills, contributing on both ends with 4 total digs, five kills, and multiple blocks. Libero Makana Melchor provided key defensive stops, leading the team in total digs and keeping long rallies alive with his quick reactions.

The match was defined by Menlo's ability to stay in the fight until the very end. The Oaks won more challenge calls than they had in any other match this season, demonstrating their keen eye for detail and willingness to fight for every point. In the final set, Coach Hollenbeck's successful challenges kept the team in contention, with the Oaks battling within one point of Stanford at 22-23. However, a late service error sealed the match for the Cardinal, bringing an end to an electrifying showdown.

Up Next….

The team's ability to win multiple challenge calls, maintain composure in tight situations, and compete at a high level reflects the strength and potential of the program. Menlo will look to build on this performance as they continue their MPSF slate on Friday, April 4th inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion against the Golden Eagles of Concordia University Irvine.