ATHERTON – Menlo got the result it needed to take the California Pacific Conference race by the throat when it beat Dominican 25-23, 24-26, 25-21, 25-20, on Friday night in Haynes-Prim Pavilion.

The win allowed the Oaks to take a two-game lead atop the Cal Pac standings with an 8-0 mark. The loss drops the Penguins into a second-place tie with Holy Names, who also holds a 6-2 conference record. All three teams have six Cal Pac games remaining.

Despite a fast start that saw Menlo take a7-1 lead early in the first game, Dominican was able to turn the tables on the Oaks to tie the score at 12. The Penguins took their first lead late in the match when they scored five straight points to jump in front 21-18. Menlo answered with a run of its own against a Dominican team tired from playing catch-up, eventually scoring the games final four points for the win.

Following a back-and-forth game two victory by the Penguins, Menlo controlled the rest of the night. The Oaks won a tight third game before cruising in a fourth and final game that wasn’t as close as the final score would indicate.

Deborah Bekowies came through with 16 kills and three solo blocks to lead Menlo while Katie Pendley added 13 kills. Sarah Poole finished with nine kills and five blocks, Raquel Vilalobos had 26 assists, Stephanie Williamson had 22 assists and LaRisa Parker contributed 28 digs for the Oaks. Gabby Pecora led Dominican with 18 kills and 17 digs while Brooke Swingle chipped in 23 assists.

Menlo improves to 13-7 overall and hosts Cal Pac foe Pacific Union on Saturday at 7:45 p.m. The Oaks have a non-conference tilt on Sunday at 2 p.m. versus Embry-Riddle. Dominican is 6-8 overall and is at Bethany Saturday night.