ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Women's Basketball outscored Point Loma in two of four quarters during Saturday's Pacific West Conference clash inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion, but the Sea Lions' strong opening frame and efficiency on the offensive end allowed them to secure a 86-69 victory to start the new calendar year.

Oaks Highlights
-After making four triples for the second time this year, Frida Schmidt finished with 16 points
-Alberte Frisch dropped a team-high 23 points with four 3-pointers, five assists, and four steals
-Contributing in all areas, Mehkia Applewhite collected 10 points, five rebounds, and five steals

Menlo Cuts Down Early Deficit But Sea Lions Strong In The Paint
Though Point Loma built a 9-0 lead out of the gate, Menlo quickly responded with 3-pointers from senior guards Alberte Frisch and Jayonnah Carter. Senior forward Frida Schmidt then added the Oaks' third triple of the quarter, but a 9-2 run to finish the frame allowed PLNU a 29-15 advantage.

With eight unanswered points (six by Frisch) to begin the second quarter, Menlo had the difference down to just six at 29-23 yet even with free throws from senior guard Mehkia Applewhite in the final minute, a counter 3-pointer put the visitors on top 43-30 at the half.

Frisch knocked down two more triples in the opening two minutes of the third quarter as the sides exchanged baskets then, as Schmidt hit her third 3-pointer of the contest to cut the deficit to 12, the Sea Lions quickly responded. Much like the second frame, the Oaks started the fourth with seven straight as graduate student guard Laila Saenz caught fire. Schmidt continued the long range barrage, connecting on the 10th triple to bring Menlo within 12 at the three and a half minute mark, but time ran out on a further comeback with the 86-69 final.

Up Next
Menlo continues its PacWest homestand with another 1 p.m. tipoff against Concordia on Monday, Jan. 5 back inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion.