After a rough start to the SXU/TCC Crossover Tournament in Chicago on Friday, Menlo College women’s volleyball rallied on day two, winning twice to improve to 3-3 on the season.
In the first win, Menlo dominated Saint Ambrose, 25-18, 25-10, 25-18, and followed with a four-set win over Judson, 25-14, 24-26, 25-20, 25-14.
The Oaks return home on Wednesday for a 6 p.m. match against former Cal Pac foe Pacific Union.
Against Saint Ambrose, the Oaks had a huge day at the service line, recording nine aces. Menlo also had its best hitting game of the tournament, totaling a .375 percentage with just seven errors in 80 attempts.
Kenzie Carpenter had another big game for Menlo, hitting .526 and notching 10 kills in 16 attempts. Ana Bechtel added seven, Maddie Clegg six and Moea Kekauoha five.
Kekauoha also served a remarkable seven aces. Jade Rockwood had 28 assists and Kekauoha led the defense with 10 digs.
Menlo continued its strong hitting against Judson, with Carpenter completing a stellar weekend with 16 kills and 14 digs, a service ace and two assists. Kekauoha and Emily Sunada also added big days with 14 and 15 kills respectively.
Monica Hruby ran the offensive in the final game and led the team with 28 kills and also added four digs and an ace. Libero Hannah Hudson had a team-leading 20 digs.
Women’s soccer
Menlo College opened the season with two big wins, but couldn’t keep the momentum going Saturday, dropping a 1-0 decision to visiting UC Merced.
The Oaks (2-1) controlled the action for most of the first half, spending the majority of it in their attacking third. Menlo fired four shots, a pair on frame, but had a number of great build ups that never resulted in a goal. The Bobcats also had four shots, two on frame and both saved by keeper Kaylin Swart.
The second half was even, though UC Merced held the advantage in total shots with five to Menlo’s four. The Bobcats broke through in the 70th minute after Menlo was called for a foul five feet outside the box.
Roxy Barragan lined up for the free kick and her service into the box was on point and found the head of Bridget Villanueva, who redirected it far post for the game winner.
Menlo continued to push the pace toward the end of the period and got a decent look from Jelissa Blanco but it was saved by keeper Gabby Vinco to thwart and chance of an equalizer.
Menlo hits the road for the first time, visiting NCAA Division II Dominican at 4 p.m. on Thursday.
By Menlo Athletics
By Menlo Athletics
By Menlo Athletics