TURLOCK, CA – Menlo Softball faced another challenging slate on the second day of the Tournament of Champions, taking on Simon Fraser and Cal Poly Humboldt, two strong DII opponents. Despite strong defensive play and flashes of offensive momentum, the Oaks came up short, dropping game one 1-6 and game two 3-5. Aleatha Buchner made her collegiate debut against Cal Poly Humbodt and made an immediate impact scoring 2 runs and earning 2 hits.
Game 1: Simon Fraser 6, Menlo 1
Menlo put up a fight against Simon Fraser but struggled to generate enough offense to keep pace. The Oaks tallied three hits, including a double from Bella Cortez, but their lone run came in the sixth inning when Gabrielle Rodriguez drove in Lara Edeker. Starting pitcher Destanee Perez threw six innings, allowing six runs on eight hits while striking out three.
Simon Fraser took control early, scoring four runs in the first inning and adding insurance in the third and fifth. Despite a strong defensive showing, including an inning-ending double play in the fourth, Menlo couldn't mount a comeback.
Game 2: Cal Poly Humboldt 5, Menlo 3
The Oaks showed resilience in the second game, keeping it close until the later innings. Menlo struck first with an RBI single from Gabrielle Rodriguez in the first inning to score Aleatha Buchner, but Cal Poly Humboldt responded with a run in the 2nd inning. The Oaks responded with another run in the 3rd thanks to a single from Grace Christian to score Buchner for the second time. The final run came in the bottom of the 5th after Alexia Lozano and Grace Christian each made it on base with Gabrielle Rodriguez up to bat. A strong hit towards the shortstop caused a fielder's choice, scoring Lozano and tying the game.
Shelby White started in the circle for the Oaks, pitching five innings and allowing four runs on seven hits. The Oaks also pitched Rosaline Torralva and Brianna Padilla.
Up Next….
Menlo will look to bounce back on the final day of the tournament as they wrap up play against CSU San Bernardino at 9:30am!
