FRESNO, Calif. --- The Western Oregon volleyball team picked up its first win of the 2026 season during Friday's first matchup with Menlo 3-2 (25-12, 21-25, 25-17, 20-25, 15-11) before falling to 11th-ranked Fresno Pacific in the evening, 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-19), at the Sunbird Classic.
In the five-set victory over Menlo (0-3), the Wolves (1-2) got 23 kills from
Payton Davis to lead the way with only four hitting errors to go along with three aces and 15 digs.
Samantha Darby had 43 assists while
Kilinoelehua Helm had a team-best 21 digs and four aaces..
Kate Markley added 12 kills while
Malena Mathis had 10.
In the loss to the Sunbirds (2-0), Davis paced WOU with 17 kills while Darby had a team-best 24 assists.
The Wolves close out action at the event Saturday against UC Merced at 2 p.m.
