FRESNO, CA – Out of a match that saw seven new Oaks compete for Menlo Women's Volleyball for the first time, Chico State emerged with the 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-23) victory on day one of Fresno Pacific's Sunbird Classic inside the Special Events Center on Friday.

Oaks Highlights

• Maya Saole-Su'e led Menlo with eight kills
• Seven kills were delivered by Dayjah McFadden and Fuka Kikuchi, making their respective debuts in the blue and white
• The Oaks' top assist total came off the hands of Ruby Santos with 16
• Janet Moala delivered a match-high three service aces
• Double-digit digs (10) were turned in by Faith Oller, leading 11 Oaks with at least one dig each

Menlo Starts Sets Strong, Sparks 9-0 Run In Third Set
A hot start to the match saw Menlo build an 8-3 advantage with senior middle blocker/opposite Maya Saole-Su'e sending down three kills during that span. From a 13-13 tie, however, Chico State used a 7-2 run to eventually secure the opening frame 25-20 despite junior outside hitter Fuka Kikuchi's multiple kills in the final stretch.

The second set was knotted at 9-9 before a 7-3 run separated the Wildcats and ultimately helped them hold on to win 25-16. Battling back from an eight-point deficit, the Oaks unleashed their best stretch of the day, rattling off nine straight scores with freshman outside hitter Dayjah McFadden connecting on five kills primarily set from junior setter/defensive specialist Ruby Santos. That surge put Menlo up 16-15 and neither side gained more than a two-point margin the rest of the way as they tied 17-17, 18-18, 19-19, 20-20, and 23-23. Ultimately, Chico State collected the final two scores for a 25-23 final.

Up Next
The Oaks finish up the season-opening Sunbird Classic with two matches on Saturday, beginning with a 9 a.m. first serve against UC Merced then finishing versus Stanislaus State at 2 p.m.