SANTA BARBARA, CA – Menlo Women's Volleyball finished its trip to Southern California with competitive play throughout its Pacific West Conference matchup with Westmont inside Murchison Gymnasium on Saturday, but a diversified attack could not overcome strong hitting from the Warriors in the 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-20) final.

Oaks Highlights
-Five different Oaks posted six or more kills, led by nine from Fuka Kikuchi
-Ruby Santos and Jolianna Salazar combined for 32 assists
-Fuka Kikuchi's 10 digs tied a match-high and were her fourth time in double figures in 2025
-Maya Saole-Su'e furthered the program record with her milestone 200th career block assist in the final set
 
Menlo Keeps Pace With Warriors
Four different Oaks were responsible for kills during Menlo's 6-1 start to the contest, but a 6-0 response from Westmont soon had the score even again. From a two-point difference in the waning stages of the opening set, kills by junior outside hitter Fuka Kikuchi and senior outside hitter/opposite Giulia Marinelli bookended a block combining Marinelli and senior middle blocker/opposite Maya Saole-Su'e to make it 24-23 Warriors before the home team secured the last point to win 25-23.

Westmont had each of the first seven points to begin the second frame yet a 6-1 surge from Menlo with kills from Saole-Su'e, Kikuchi, and senior middle blocker Janet Moala shortened the difference to just four at 21-17. One final push by the Warriors earned them the 25-19 decision, leading to a third set that had more runs exchanged. Receiving assists from freshman setter Jolianna Salazar and junior setter/defensive specialist Ruby Santos, Moala repeatedly sent down kills to bring her team within three on multiple occasions late. However, Westmont managed to outlast the Oaks 25-20 for the victory.

Up Next
The first Oaks' home match of the season will feature a 6 p.m. first serve this Wednesday, Sept. 24 as Menlo hosts Jessup inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion.