TURLOCK, CA – Oaks Softball closed out the Tournament of Champions, hosted by Stanislaus State, with a hard-fought battle against the Coyotes of CSU San Bernardino on Sunday morning. Despite showing resilience and sparking a late rally in the fifth inning, the Oaks fell in six innings by a score of 2-13.
Oaks' Standout Performers
-
Grace Christian – 2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 1 SB
-
Bella Cortez – 1-for-2, 1 R, 1 SB
-
Sydney Costello – Pinch hit, Reached base on HBP, scored 1 R
-
Lara Edeker – 1-for-1, Pinch hit, single in the 6th inning
-
Pitching Staff – Faced a powerful CSUSB lineup, started with Brianna Padilla for 4 strong innings, and with Destanee Perez, Mckayla Rosen, and Rosaline Torralva combining for key outs in relief efforts.
Tough Battle in Turlock
The game began as a defensive duel, with both teams stranding runners through the first three innings. CSU San Bernardino broke through in the top of the fourth with a three-run surge. The Coyotes continued their offensive momentum in the fifth, adding three more runs.
Menlo showed signs of life in the bottom of the fifth when Bella Cortez singled and stole second before Sydney Costello was hit by a pitch to put two runners on. Grace Christian then delivered a clutch two-run double up the middle, giving the Oaks their first runs of the game. Christian later stole third, but Menlo couldn't push across another run.
CSUSB responded with a seven-run sixth inning, capitalizing on key errors and wild pitches. Though the Oaks fought to extend the game, they were unable to overcome the deficit. Lara Edeker provided a bright spot in the final frame, singling to right field, but the rally fell short as the Coyotes closed out the game.
Up Next….
Despite the loss, Menlo leaves the Tournament of Champions with valuable experience and moments of promise as they look ahead to more opportunities to play. They have a short rest before facing off Simon Fraser once more in a doubleheader on Tuesday, February 18th at 12pm at Wunderlich field! This is one matchup you do not want to miss!
