Game 1: Antelope Valley 7, Menlo 4

Despite some on and off rain throughout the morning, Menlo Softball matched up for another double-header against the visiting Antelope Valley Pioneers. Gabby de Leon started in the circle for the Oaks pitching two innings. Ayanna Rubio would take over pitching duties for the next two innings.Rubio would compile three strikeouts before handing over the final few innings to  Brianna Gonzalez.

Offensively, it was a slow start for Menlo. Through the first four innings the Oaks could only muster a single hit. Yet, their bats would begin to come alive late into the game. Trailing 7-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth the Oaks began to battle back. Bella Cortez would single, driving in a run in the fifth and Jolena Velasquez would launch a triple into left field to lead off the seventh. Hailey Roloff would drive Velasquez in on a ground out but the Oaks rally would come up just short. 

Game 2: Antelope Valley 5, Menlo 4

In similar fashion to the day's first game, the Oaks would find themselves trailing late into the ball game. It would be 5-0 with the visiting Pioneers holding all the momentum through the first five and a half innings. Yet, once again Menlo would begin a late game rally scoring three runs in the fifth and another in the seventh. Grace Christian, Macie Figueroa & Maya Bivens-Sommerville would each add at least two hits to their resume. Hailey Roloff was effective on base, scoring two runs including a slick slide into home to evade the opposing catcher and score.

Inside the circle Vivian Valencia would relieve Gabby de Leon late into the second. Valencia would toss five strikeouts and got into a groove late into the game. She was especially effective in the fifth, retiring the side in order to help jump start the Oaks comeback.

Softball is back in action February 10th against #13 College of Idaho. The Oaks will look to build upon their season opener as the spring rolls around!