VALLEJO, Calif. - Revenge came easily for Menlo College as it took control early and cruised to a 77-59 victory over California Maritime on Thursday night, handing the Keelhaulers their first California Pacific Conference loss of the season.

The Oaks lost to California Maritime 65-61 during the first week of conference play to drop to 0-2, but have won four of six in the Cal Pac culminating with Thursday's blowout victory.

 

Menlo stormed to a 41-25 halftime advantage over the first-place Keelhaulers thanks to tight defense that never let up. California Maritime was limited to 28.1 percent shooting, making just 7-of-32 3-point attempts. Meanwhile, the Oaks needed 15 fewer attempts from deep to sink six while shooting 44.1 percent from the field.

 

Thanks in large part to its big guards, Menlo beat Maritime on the boards 42-33. Gianna Covarelli grabbed 12 rebounds to go with 19 points to lead the Oaks while Senoj Jones had 11 points and 10 rebounds as the backcourt duo each finished with a rare double-double. Forward Katelyn Guild controlled the paint, scoring 17 points with nine rebounds. Guild entered the game leading the Cal Pac in rebounding. Stephanie Truong and Kelli Brull chipped in eight and six points, respectively.

 

Alexsis Brown led California Maritime with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Lauren Westbrook and Taylor Himmelspach each tallied 14 points, but shot a combined 8-for-26 from the field in doing so.

 

Menlo improves to 4-4 in the Cal Pac and 9-12 overall. The Oaks host Bethany (0-7, 2-17) at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. California Maritime is 7-1 in conference play and 10-13 overall.