Menlo at Occidental - Game Stats

LOS ANGELES - It took five games, but Menlo College ended the day with its first victory of the season by outclassing Occidental, 25-18, 24-26, 26-24, 21-25, 15-10, on the road on Friday afternoon.

It was a much-needed win for the Oaks, who opened the season with four losses - three at the hands of ranked opponents - at the prestigious Fresno Pacific Sunbird Invitational two weekends ago before an extended early-season break. Menlo is now 1-4 heading into a 7 p.m. matchup on Saturday at La Sierra. Occidental is 3-5 after defeating West Coast Baptist in three games later on Friday.

Menlo showed its mettle and experience, winning the final game after missing out on its first chance to end things when it lost the fourth game of a tight contest. Through four games only two points separated the two teams.

Senior middle blocker Sarah Poole played big at the net, finishing the match with 10 kills and eight blocks. Poole had a .471 hitting percentage on the day. A host of fellow seniors all had strong games as well for the Oaks. Deborah Bekowies had 14 kills; Kelsey Bailey had 11 kills and 38 digs; Katie Pendley added 11 kills; and Stephanie Williamson finished with 29 assists. Shelby Goldman contributed 34 digs while Brittany Sudduth and Mia Ortiz totaled 29 and 19, respectively.