ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Softball made a statement at Wunderlich Field on a rainy Friday afternoon, securing their second victory of the season and their first PacWest Conference win in dominant fashion. The Oaks overpowered Hawaii Pacific with an explosive offensive display, clinching a 10-1 victory in just five innings via the run rule.
Statistical Leaders and Key Moments
Today's victory would not have taken place without the outstanding efforts from….
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Bella Cortez led the offensive charge, going 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs.
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Jolena Velasquez showcased her power with a triple, driving in a run and scoring twice.
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Sofia Quintero delivered a clutch performance, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs and a stolen base.
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Destanee Perez dominated in the circle, pitching a complete game while allowing just one run on three hits.
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Menlo's offense erupted with 11 hits, including three doubles and two triples.
Menlo 10 - 1 Hawaii Pacific
After a scoreless first inning, Menlo's bats erupted in the second. Bella Cortez started the scoring with a hard-hit double into the gap from Maya Bivens-Sommerville, bringing in a run. Jolena Velasquez followed with a single to right center, pushing another run across to make it 2-0. Velasquez then stole second, putting a runner in scoring position for Sofia Quintero. The right fielder singled up the middle to score Velasquez. To close out the inning, Tacia Kahalewai singled to right center field for one more RBI, ending the 2nd inning up 4-0.
Hawaii Pacific answered with a lone run in the third, but Menlo wasted no time in responding. Emma Medina scored Grace Christian with a bases-clearing triple to center field. A single from Cortez would go on to score Medina to make it 6-1 in the 3rd inning. The offense kept the pressure on, making it difficult for Hawaii Pacific to mount any kind of comeback.
The fourth inning saw Menlo put the game completely out of reach. Velasquez led off the inning with a triple to right center Quintero singled through the left side to score Velasquez. Then, Grace Christian doubled to right center with two runners on base to score Quintero and advance Kahalewai to third. The final run of the day from the Oaks came off of Cortez's bat with a double to left center to score Christian and Kahalewai, upping the score to 10-1 in the bottom of the 4th. Menlo Softball looked unstoppable on the field today despite the unfavorable weather.
Perez's Commanding Performance
While Menlo's offense stole the headlines, Destanee Perez was just as dominant in the circle. She worked efficiently through five innings, scattering just three hits while keeping Hawaii Pacific's hitters off balance. Her control was impeccable, allowing only one run and limiting free passes to keep the momentum firmly in Menlo's favor.
Perez's ability to mix her pitches and induce ground ball outs helped her cruise through the lineup. She retired the final six batters she faced, sealing the win in convincing fashion. Her poise and command set the tone for the team, ensuring that Menlo's offensive fireworks were backed by a strong defensive presence.
Up Next….
The Oaks' dominant performance signals a turning point in their season as they look to build momentum heading into tomorrow with another doubleheader planned against the Sharks of Hawaii Pacific at Wunderlich Field. First pitch at 12pm!
