ATHERTON (1-3) - UC Santa Cruz could not maintain a hot start and fell at Menlo 3-1 (25-20, 10-25, 19-25, 11-25) in the 2020 season opener for both schools.

UCSC opened the match taking the first set courtesy of nine kills and five blocks, including a duo roof by Anthony Sagely and Kyle Lutz for set point. However, Menlo bounced back and hit .516 combined the final three sets to rally and win the match. The Oaks outhit UCSC overall .330 to .049 and had six aces to the Banana Slugs' two. 

Ian Pizzuti led UCSC hitting .500 with 8 kills. Aaron Fox and Rowdy Lennon added 5 kills each. Lutz finished with 3 total blocks in his UCSC debut. Tennessee Fulks had a career-high 18 assists directing the Banana Slug offense. Sam Wittert, the only returning starter from last season's NCAA Final, added 8 assists plus an ace. Edin Ibrahimovic led the Oaks with game-highs of 18 kills and 11 digs. 

The Banana Slugs continue their season-opening Norcal run when they host UC Merced at Kaiser Permanente Arena Friday afternoon at 2pm.