AZUSA, CA - In just their fourth meeting ever, Menlo Women's Volleyball faced Azusa Pacific at the Felix Event Center to open PacWest play. Both teams had three players notch fifteen or more kills in a tightly contested five-set match. Despite taking two of the first three sets, the Oaks couldn't close it out, falling to the Cougars in a back-and-forth battle 25-23, 17-25, 32-30, 17-25, 13-15.

Oaks Highlights

• Newcomers Jolianna Salazar and Ruby Santos split the match at the setter spot with both acquiring 25+ assists each

• Emily Licon makes her second appearance on the season, leading the Oaks in digs with 24 to lead the Oaks

• Janet Moala had an all-around outstanding night, leading the Oaks in points with 21. Moala also collected 14 kills on a .423 hitting percentage, 4 aces, and 4 block assists. 

Intense Five-Set PacWest Opener
Both teams traded points as they worked to find rhythm, but Menlo was able to pull ahead late to take the opening set 25-23. Senior Maya Saole-Su'e was able to lead the Oaks in points in the set with 4.5 while freshman Dayjah McFadden was right behind her with 4.0. Azusa however would respond quickly, jumping out early and maintaining control throughout the second set. The Oaks were unable to readjust to the Cougars offense as they pulled away, dropping the second 17-25. 

The third set turned into a marathon, with both teams refusing to back down as they headed into extra point territory. The Oaks were able to edge out a wild 32-30 victory in a back-and-forth battle that featured a clutch kill by Fuka Kikuchi to keep the Oaks in the set late. Emily Licon also kept the Oaks in play with 9 digs in the set as Janet Moala closed out the last two points with a kill and a service ace to go up two sets to one.

Azusa Pacific took control in the fourth set, pulling ahead midway and keeping the pressure on as Menlo struggled to slow down their attack. The Cougars held the Oaks to just 17 points, forcing a decisive fifth set. The deciding set lived up to the intensity of the night, with both teams refusing to give up an inch. As the set comes to the final points, the Oaks were two points away from closing out the night. However Azusa Pacific found a late spark to go on a four point run to take the match. 

Up Next… 
The Oaks will get a one-day rest before staying in Southern California to face Vanguard University on Friday, September 19, at 6:00 p.m. PST inside the Freed Center in Costa Mesa.