Fullerton, CA- The Oaks kicked off their Southern California road trip with a visit to Hope International for a Friday doubleheader. Unfortunately, Menlo was unable to come away with a victory as offense was hard to come by for the Oaks. Regardless, the team currently sits 4-4 in conference play with plenty of softball left in the season!

Game 1: Menlo 0, HIU 3
The first contest of the day was dominated by pitching on both sides. For Menlo, the pair of Brianna Gonzalez and Ayanna Rubio would only surrender five hits and three runs. It was a solid showing in the circle for the pitching staff. Unfortunately, the offense was also limited thanks to 12 strikeouts from Hope's Allie Puente. Still Emma Medina and Emma Wilson each recorded a hit. Medina would record a double and also show patience at the plate getting Puente to walk her.

Game 2: Menlo 2, HIU 6
The second game of the day saw a bit more action from Menlo's bats. Grace Christian paced the Oaks going 1-3 at the plate with a two run double as well as drawing a walk. The senior currently leads her team with a .392 batting average as well as a team high 10 RBIs. Alexandra Attard, Jolena Velasquez and Sofia Quintero would also record a hit. Pitching wise Menlo held their own, only allowing three earned runs. Unfortunately, a few errors would allow Hope to pick up extra runs and pull away late into the sixth inning.

Up Next…
There is no time for rest for the Oaks who will take on Vanguard in another doubleheader tomorrow. Menlo has alternated series wins in GSAC play with each pair of wins followed by a pair of losses. Hopefully that pattern holds true and the Oaks pick up the road wins come tomorrow afternoon!