SANTA CRUZ, CA – Menlo Men's Volleyball were looking to redeem a recent five-set thriller loss to rival UC Santa Cruz, this time facing the Banana Slugs on their home court. Despite a low-set outcome, the Oaks showed marked improvement, pushing the pace and gaining valuable experience with new faces stepping into expanded roles. The match provided growth opportunities across the roster as Menlo continued to build chemistry early in the season.

Oak Match Leaders

• Xavier Cordova led Menlo defensively with 8 digs while adding 6 kills and 2 assists in a strong all-around performance.

• Mark Ensalaco paced the Oaks offensively with 8 kills and contributed 2 service aces, 3 digs, and 1 assist.

• Vojtech Simunek recorded 6 kills and added 2 digs, continuing to be a steady presence on both sides of the ball.

• Max Jarrett anchored the net with 2 solo blocks and chipped in 1 kill.

Battle in Santa Cruz

Menlo opened the first set in a tight battle as both teams traded early points before UC Santa Cruz built a 6-10 edge and eventually extended the lead to 12-20. Facing a significant deficit, the Oaks responded with a surge of energy sparked by a kill from Mark Ensalaco and a service ace from Vojtech Simunek. Menlo chipped away at the margin, pulling within 18-21 and forcing a Banana Slugs timeout. The rally continued after the break, as Simunek and Mathias Durfee delivered multiple kills to help Menlo erase several set points. UC Santa Cruz had multiple chances to close the frame beginning at 18-24, but the Oaks battled back to tie the set at 24-24. Despite the comeback effort, the Banana Slugs escaped with the opening set, 24-26.

The second set saw the teams even early at 6-6 before UC Santa Cruz found its rhythm and pulled away. Service errors on both sides disrupted the flow, but the Banana Slugs maintained control as Menlo worked to slow a consistent attack that proved difficult to contain. The third set brought renewed intensity from the Oaks, who kept pace point-for-point through an 11-11 tie. From there, UC Santa Cruz created separation and held a steady lead. Menlo continued to compete and gained valuable reps across the lineup, but the Banana Slugs secured the set, 18-25, and the match, 0-3.

Up Next

Menlo now turns its focus to a road trip next weekend for a two-match series at BYU. The Oaks will face the Cougars on Friday and Saturday, February 13 and 14, with both matches scheduled for 7 p.m. MT.