ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Men's Wrestling opened its 2026-27 campaign in impressive fashion Friday night, earning a commanding 38-8 victory over Hope International inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion. The dual marked the first home appearance under new head coach Zeke Andrade, who officially secured his first victory as an Oak. The Oaks showcased their depth and strength throughout the evening, collecting three pins, two technical falls and five additional victories to start the season on a high note.

 

Oak Highlights

• Final Score: Menlo 38, Hope International 8.

• Head Coach Zeke Andrade earns his first win leading the Oaks.

• Daniel Arellano (125), Robbie Lopez (133) and Matt Porras-Diamond (197) each earned pins to lead the night.

• Devon Wells (157) and Nikita Smatov (165) earned technical falls to add more to the Oaks team score. 

• Menlo secured 30 of its 38 team points through pins, technical falls and a major decision.

 

Andrade's First Oak Victory

The Oaks wasted little time establishing control, opening the evening with back-to-back pins from Daniel Arellano (125) and Robbie Lopez (133) to jump out to a 12-0 advantage. Hope International answered at 141, but Menlo quickly regained momentum with four consecutive victories. David Arroyo (149) earned a 7-4 decision, followed by a commanding 18-0 technical fall from Devon Wells (157). Nikita Smatov kept the momentum rolling at 165 with a 19-4 technical fall before Evan Ivaldi capped the impressive stretch with a 16-9 decision at 174, extending the Oaks' lead to 28-4.

After the Royals picked up their second victory of the evening at 184, Menlo delivered a strong finish in front of the home crowd. Matt Porras-Diamond (197) secured the Oaks' third pin of the night, while JC Escutia stepped up at 285 and delivered a 10-1 major decision to close out the dual. With victories in eight of the ten weight classes, Menlo showcased an impressive all-around performance, earning a 38-8 final score and giving Andrade his first victory at the helm of the Oaks.

 

Up Next….

The Oaks will be right back on the mat Saturday, November 7, hosting the Menlo Open inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion. Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. as Menlo welcomes competitors for its first tournament action of the 2026-27 season. Following a statement victory in their season opener, the Oaks look to carry that momentum into a full day of competition on their home mat.

 

Dual Results

125: Daniel Arellano (Menlo) over Leonardo Cabrera-Nava (Pin) | 6-0

133: Roberto "Robbie" Lopez(Menlo) over Joshua Grajeda (Pin in 4:28) | 12-0

141: Malikhi Espiritu (Hope) Giancarlo Plaza (MD, 11-2) | 12-4

149: David Arroyo (Menlo) over Aaron Lopez (Hope) (Dec, 7-4) | 15-4

157: Devon Wells (Menlo) over Jacob Ramirez (Hope) (Tech Fall, 18-0) | 20-4

165: Nikita Smatov (Menlo) over Tomas Fulgentes (Hope) (Tech fall, 19-4) | 25-4

174: Evan Ivaldi (Menlo) over Ezekiel Huerta (Hope) (Dec, 16-9)

184: Jeancarlos Martinez (Hope) over Luke Harrison (Menlo) (MD, 18-7)

197: Matthew Porras Diamond (Menlo) over Jaxon Smith (Hope) (Pin)

285: JC Escutia (Menlo) over Matthew Olivarez (MD, 10-1)

Total: Menlo 38 - 8 Hope