Menlo vs. Westminster - Game Stats

FRESNO, Calif. - A new season of Menlo College volleyball got off to a slow start as the Oaks fell in three games to Westminster College, 25-18, 25-20, 25-19, at Fresno Pacific's Sunbird Invitational on Friday afternoon.

Menlo, now 0-1, has a chance to make a quick turnaround when it takes on Biola later on Friday at 7 p.m. Biola is ranked No. 20 in the NAIA Top 25 Preseason Coaches' Poll and reached the semifinals at last season's NAIA Championships. Westminster is now 2-3 overall, including a loss last weekend to Biola.

The Oaks led early in each of the first two games and hung around throughout. Freshman Kaili Miyamoto got a kill off an assist from fellow freshman Selina Bumb to put Menlo in front 3-2 in the first game. Westminster led just 10-8 after senior Katie Pendley killed from a Stephenie Monderine assist before the Griffins four straight times to take control.

Game two followed the same pattern with the Oaks trimming their deficit to 14-12 on a Deborah Bekowies kill assisted by Stephanie Williamson. Menlo would get no closer and were last even in the third game at 3-3.

Bekowies led the Oaks with nine kills and a .320 hitting percentage. Sarah Poole added seven kills and five blocks, Raquel Vilalobos had 15 assists, Stephanie Williamson added 12 assists, Brittany Sudduth led with 17 digs, and Shelby Goldman finished with 11 digs.

Ashley Marchant had 10 kills for Westminster while Megan Evans totaled 24 assists.