ATHERTON, Calif. – Four Lions had at least eight kills to highlight a balanced offensive attack, and the 11th-ranked Vanguard women's volleyball team rolled to a straight sets victory over Menlo on Friday at Haynes-Prim Pavilion.

Set scores went 25-22, 25-17, 25-18 as the Lions won their fifth consecutive match by sweep. VU has won 17 consecutive sets dating back to the Sept. 22 match at Life Pacific. The Blue and Gold also extended their school record winning streak to 18 consecutive matches.

VU also hit the 20-win mark, improving to 20-1 overall and 10-0 in the Golden State Athletic Conference. It is the fourth time in the last six years the Lions have reached the 20-win milestone under head coach Jennifer Dorn.

Morgan Cole led all players with nine kills, adding a match-high tying four blocks. Bailey Olbur, Callie Bickmore and Delaney Hill chipped in eight kills apiece, Olbur pacing the Lions with a .545 (8-2-11) attack percentage and providing four blocks.

The Lions hit .262 as a team with the setter tandem of Madeline DeLucia and Rachel Lim distributing 18 and 13 assists, respectively. 

VU owned a 36-27 advantage in digs with Natalie Escher's eight leading the way. Blair Dodge and Kate Phillips both had two service aces.

Giulia Marinelli led the Oaks (14-7, 6-4 GSAC) with seven kills.

What Happened?

Set 1 – Menlo stormed out to an 8-3 lead before the Lions got their bearings. The Blue and Gold replied with an 8-2 run to seize their first lead at 11-10, aided by four Oak attack errors.

Play leveled out from there and the two teams battled through eight ties to get to 20-20. The Lions scored three straight, including a big combo block from Kylie Proctor and Hill. 

Dickson had four kills in the frame, her last two giving the Lions points 24 and 25 in the 25-22 victory. The Lions attacked at a .269 (13-6-26) clip while the Oaks managed just .097 hitting.

Set 2 – Vanguard used a 9-0 run to break open a set Menlo once led 8-7. Cole threw down three kills during the run, while Olbur and Bickmore teamed up for a stuff on Marinelli.

The Oaks pulled within 17-11 but never really threatened, as a 6-2 VU run opened up its largest lead at 23-13. VU hit .250 in the set, holding the Oaks to a -.150 (4-7-20) effort.

Cole had five of her nine kills in the frame.

Set 3 – The Lions came from behind again to win, although the deficit was not as significant as in set one. VU trailed 6-4 following a four-point Menlo run, but Hill caught fire with four kills to turn an 8-6 deficit into an 11-9 lead.

Bickmore also had three early kills to help the VU cause. She slammed down a fourth kill to give VU a 12-11 lead and kickstart a 4-0 run after the Oaks had tied the score at 11 apiece. Menlo helped VU out with three straight attack errors.

The Oaks battled back and trailed just 19-18 following a Beatrice Manzon ace.

But the Lions raced away with a match-clinching 6-0 run as Kate Phillips served out the set. She had back-to-back aces to give VU a 22-18 lead. Menlo then committed its 22nd attack error and Olbur finished the Oaks off with back-to-back kills.

VU swung at a .265 clip, while Menlo had its best showing at .135.

Why Is It Important?: The Lions hit above .250 for the sixth consecutive match. Over the last six matches, VU is hitting .296, which would rank No. 2 in the country over the course of an entire season. Concordia (Neb.) currently leads the NAIA in hitting percentage at .299.

What Was Said?: "Very pleased of a sweep on the road with Menlo," said Dorn. "We settled down after our first set and made some subs to stabilize some positions. Huge shout out to Jenesis Rios and Kate Phillips serving bullets to end the match, including two aces."

What's Next?: The Lions conclude their trip to Northern California with a Saturday matinee at Jessup. First serve is slated for 2:00 p.m.