ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Softball was back at Wunderlich field on Friday for a doubleheader against the #12 nationally ranked Hope International Royals. Game one went to Hope after Puente led the Royals to a 0-6 sweep over the Oaks. The second game of the doubleheader was electric and was decided in the 8th inning by a single run from the Royals to push them ahead and take the sweep. Menlo returns to Wunderlich one last time this season on Saturday, April 6th for Senior day and a doubleheader against Vanguard!
Game 1: Menlo 0 - 6 Hope International
Menlo had difficulty getting offense going in the first game of the doubleheader. The Oaks were able to get 4 hits off of the Royals all-star pitcher, Allie Puente, who was wheeling and dealing from the circle all day. Emma Medina returned to the field and went 1 for 3 with a single up the middle in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Freshman catcher Alyssa Donovan has been a new addition in the lineup in the past few games and has been able to get god contact on the ball every time she steps in the box. Donovan went 2 for 3 against the Royals with a single up the middle and a single down the left field line but was left on base every time. Aliya Lubrin then led off the 5th inning with a single down the right field line but no other Oak was able to generate any other offense. Overall there were moments of greatness, but none were put together to bring Oaks home to score.
Vivian Valencia started in the circle for Menlo and pitched a complete game. Valencia now becomes 2-5 on the season but leads Menlo in strikeouts with 41 after today, with 4. Vivian held control the entire 6 innings despite the Royals powerful and smart hitting.
Game 2: Menlo 1 - 2 Hope International (8 innings)
Game two was kept much closer by both teams who were battling to get runs across. Menlo was able to generate 8 hits in the afternoon but was held to just one run. The lone run came in the bottom of the 3rd when Emma Medina started off the inning with a single down the right field line. A fielder's choice would get Medina out at second but leave Aliya Lubrin at first. Alyssa Donovan once again singled up the middle and left all Oaks safe at their bases. Maya Bivens-Sommerville was the one to force an error from the shortstop to bring Lubrin home from second to give the Oaks the lead. Hope International evened up the score in the 5th and decided to bring in Puente once again to close out their series. Menlo was also able to shut down the Royals offense late in the game to push the game into extra innings. In the 8th, Menlo would have bases loaded after Donovan was hit by a pitch and Bivens-Sommerville singled to shortstop, leaving Lubrin at third. Even then, the Royals pulled off the win after a fielder's choice and striking out the final Oak.
Madison Nelson would pitch the entire 7 innings of game two against the Royals and take a 2-5 record. Nelson also fought hard in the circle and struck two Royals out and only allowed 2 hits and 2 runs.
Up Next…
One last ride at the home field of Wunderlich for the 2024 season takes place tomorrow, Saturday April 6th at 11:40am for a Senior ceremony honoring the two seniors, Brianna Gonzalez and Ayanna Rubio. A doubleheader against Vanguard will follow at 12pm!
