SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Menlo Softball continued their early-season road trip with a doubleheader against San Francisco State on Monday. The Oaks showed flashes of promise but ultimately fell short in both contests, dropping game one, 0-3 and game two, 0-8.
Game 1: San Francisco State 3, Menlo 0
Menlo put together a strong defensive effort, keeping the game close throughout. Freshman pitcher Brianna Padilla threw five innings, allowing just four hits and three unearned runs. The Oaks' offense had opportunities, collecting seven hits, including doubles from Grace Christian and Emma Medina, but they were unable to push any runs across the plate. A key moment came in the fourth inning when the Oaks loaded the bases with two outs, but a groundout ended the scoring threat.
Despite the loss, Menlo's defense turned a crucial double play in the fifth inning, and Bella Cortez made a stellar grab at first base to prevent further damage. The team looks to build on their solid defensive effort as they move forward in the season.
Game 2: San Francisco State 8, Menlo 0 (5 innings)
In the second game, Menlo struggled to contain the Gators' offense, which erupted for four runs in both the third and fifth innings. Starting pitcher Destanee Perez kept the game scoreless through two frames but ran into trouble in the third, allowing a pair of doubles that led to a four-run inning. The Oaks collected seven hits but failed to string them together for runs.
Lucy Brooks led the way for Menlo at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a walk, while Gabrielle Rodriguez added two hits of her own. Despite solid individual performances, errors proved costly, as Menlo committed three in the field, leading to additional scoring chances for SF State. The Oaks will aim to rebound as they return home for their next matchup.
Up Next….
Menlo Softball will be on the road again this week at the Tournament of Champions hosted by Stanislaus State from Friday-Monday to face some tough NCAA DII foes. Friday, February 14th, the Oaks will face off Cal Monterey Bay at 9:30am and Northwest Nazarene at 11:30am.
