ATHERTON, CA -- Menlo Women's Soccer opened PacWest Conference play on Friday afternoon at Wunderlich Field, hosting the University of Hawaii Hilo Vulcans. Despite a strong fight across 90 minutes, the Oaks fell 0-2 in a high-intensity contest that set the tone for conference play. Many Oaks made appearances throughout the 90 minutes which helped with fresh legs often but required quick adjustments on both ends of the field.  

Oaks Battle Hard but Come Up Short

• The Oaks fired 8 shots and earned 5 corner kicks, generating pressure in the attacking third.

• Giorgia Melcore anchored Menlo's backline with 6 saves, including several diving stops to keep the match within reach.

• Early momentum: Haley Dunham, Kaylin Gonzalez, and Liv Brunzell each tested Hilo's defense with chances in the opening 15 minutes.

• Midfield and backline unit limited Hawaii Hilo to just one corner kick across 90 minutes.

Oaks Created Chances

The Oaks came out strong in the first half, immediately threatening with a shot from Dunham just over the bar in the second minute. Moments later, Gonzalez forced a save with a well-placed effort to the lower corner, while Brunzell followed up with a shot that narrowly missed the frame. Menlo's attack earned two early corner kicks and showed confidence in possession as they pressed the Vulcans' backline.

Defensively, Menlo relied on Melcore's presence in goal. She recorded two highlight saves in the first half, denying Hawaii Hilo in the 23rd and 37th minutes with sharp reaction stops. While the Vulcans managed to sneak a goal late in the half, the Oaks went into the break knowing they were creating chances of their own.

In the second half, Menlo's energy never wavered. Acopan delivered one of the Oaks' best looks in the 67th minute, sparking another run of momentum where Menlo stacked back-to-back corner kicks to keep pressure alive. Melcore continued to shine, adding four more saves to her total, including back-to-back stops in the 74th and 80th minutes to keep the game within reach. Though the Vulcans added an early second-half goal, the Oaks' fight and attacking presence made clear that they are ready to compete in the PacWest.

Up Next

The Oaks hit the road for their next PacWest matchup, traveling to San Diego to take on the Point Loma Sea Lions on Thursday, October 2nd at 1:00 PM. Menlo will look to build on their promising conference debut and continue growing as they push for their first PacWest victory.