Redding, CA- It's been a busy weekend for Menlo Softball having played some of the top competition in the NAIA recently. After a tough series against the Academy of Art the Oaks traveled to Redding, California to play #7 Oregon Tech and Simpson University in a doubleheader. Unfortunately, the Oaks were unable to secure a win.

Game 1: Menlo-1, #7 Oregon Tech-8

Oregon Tech proved to be one of the toughest tasks Menlo has faced all year. Not only was the game held at a neutral site but Oregon Tech is the highest ranked team Menlo has played so far. Even though they played a tough opponent, sophomore Bella Cortez rose to the challenge. Cortez would go 3-3 at the plate, hitting two doubles and driving in the Oaks lone run of the contest.

In the circle, Brianna Gonzalez would enter the game for relief duties across the final three innings. Gonzalez faced 10 batters only allowing one hit and helped hold Oregon Tech to only one hit across the final two innings of play.

Game 2: Menlo-5, Simpson-8

Against Simpson in their second game of the day, Menlo's batters began to find a rhythm. Bella Cortez would record another hit but it was Grace Christian and Jolena Velasquez who would carry the offensive load. Christian finished the game going 3-3 two singles and an RBI. Velasquez would wind up batting 2-2, driving in a run and successfully stole a base as well.

The Oaks would fall behind 5-0 early in the game but a spirited fourth inning rally would cut the lead down to 5-4. Simpson would manage to add three more runs to their total and despite their best efforts in the sixth inning to rally once again, the Oaks fell 8-5.

Up Next…

The Oaks wrap up a long weekend of softball with a doubleheader against #19 Eastern Oregon. They then hit the road once again for a single matchup with Westcliff and end the month with a doubleheader against La Sierra University. The Oaks are finally back home as March rolls around to take on OUAZ.