HAYWARD, CA – Menlo Softball kicked off their 2025 season on the road, facing a tough opponent in Cal State East Bay. The Oaks struggled to generate offense, falling in both games of the doubleheader at Pioneer Softball Field. The Pioneers took the first game 8-0 and followed up with a 5-0 victory to close out the doubleheader. 

Game 1: Cal State East Bay 8, Menlo 0 (5 innings)

Despite the tough outing, Menlo showed resilience, with Emma Medina and Lucy Brooks recording the only hits for the Oaks. The team's defense worked hard to contain East Bay's offense but struggled against a lineup that consistently found ways to put the ball in play. Moving forward, the Oaks will focus on offensive adjustments to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Menlo found themselves stifled by dominant pitching from East Bay's starter, as the Oaks managed just two hits in the five-inning contest. The Pioneers broke a scoreless tie in the third inning with an RBI double and added another run in the fourth. A six-run explosion in the fifth, capped by a three-run homer, ended the game via run-rule. Senior pitcher Shelby White started for Menlo, allowing five runs across four innings before freshman Rosaline Torralva came in for relief.

Game 2: Cal State East Bay 5, Menlo 0

Perez battled through six tough innings, keeping Menlo in the game despite the offensive struggles. The Oaks had a couple of chances to break up the no-hitter, including a hard-hit ball by Gabrielle Rodriguez that was snagged by the shortstop. As Menlo prepares for their next matchup, they will look to improve their offensive approach and capitalize on their defensive strengths.

The second game saw Menlo's struggles at the plate continue, as they were held hitless over seven innings. The Pioneers plated two early runs in the first before adding insurance in the fourth, sixth, and final frames. Sophomore Destanee Perez went the distance in the circle for Menlo, giving up five runs on 11 hits while striking out none. Despite some solid defensive efforts, including an inning-ending double play in the fourth, the Oaks couldn't break through against East Bay's pitching.

Up Next….

Menlo will look to rebound as they return to the field on Monday, February 10th in San Francisco to take on the Gators of SF State at 12pm and 2pm.