PHOENIX, AZ – Menlo Softball is finishing the end of their season on the road starting with a trip to Arizona this weekend. On Friday, the Oaks faced off Arizona Christian under the sunset in a doubleheader where Menlo would drop both ends to the Firestorm. Across the 12 innings played, Menlo produced 9 hits but were only able to score one run across home plate. One more doubleheader against the Spirit of OUAZ is up next for the Oaks before returning back to the bay!
Game 1: Menlo 0 - 3 Arizona Christian
Across the first 7 innings played, Menlo was able to earn 5 hits and left 4 Oaks on base but was unable to bring any runs in. Menlo saw two singles in the 1st inning, one up the middle from second baseman Jolena Velasquez to start the game and then another off the bat of catcher Alyssa Donovan. Then, in the 2nd inning, centerfielder Aliya Lubrin would just barely get it past 1st base for a single down the right field line but no one else could build from that. A double to left field from Emma Medina brought some excitement to the plate, however the Firestorm were able to quickly end the inning. Emma Medina has been one of the Oaks most consistent hitters in the box with an average of .385, making her the Oaks batting average leader. That would place her at 3rd in Conference for On Base Percentage, .484. The final hit of the day came in the 6th inning from Alyssa Donovan who singled up the middle with no one else to pick her up. There have been some great moments from Menlo throughout the last few games now but they have been unable to score the runs needed to overcome any deficit.
Shelby White owned the circle for all 7 innings in game one. White struck out 2 Firestorm batters and did not walk a single one across 25 at-bats. Arizona Christian earned 3 runs and 6 hits off of the Oak. This year so far, Shelby has pitched 72.2 innings and has totaled 32 strikeouts and has an earned run average of 4.33, leading the Oaks bullpen staff. Although her record does not reflect a winning one, Shelby has shown strong outings at the circle and continues to be a leader for the Menlo team!
Game 2: Menlo 1 - 9 Arizona Christian (5 innings)
The Oaks started off strong in the batter's box and earned their one and only run of the day in the first inning. The game began with a 4-pitch walk from Jolena Velasquez. Alyssa Donovan would then hit a hard single to the shortstop to advance Velasquez and make it to first base safely. A fielder's choice off of Grace Tuiteleleapaga's bat would keep runners at first and second with Aliya Lubrin up to the plate. The junior centerfielder singled up the middle to score Donovan before Grace would be caught at third trying to take the extra base. From there, Arizona Christian found their control in the batter's box and was able to tally up 9 runs over the Oaks across 5 innings, enforcing the mercy rule.
Up Next…..
Menlo Softball will drive over to Surprise, Arizona on Saturday, April 13th to take on the Spirit of OUAZ in a doubleheader beginning at 11am!
