ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Softball made history on Saturday, securing its first-ever PacWest Conference series sweep with back-to-back victories over Chaminade in a doubleheader. The Oaks followed up Friday's win with an 8-2 victory in Game 1 before capping off the series with a thrilling 4-3 win in Game 2, highlighted by a go-ahead grand slam from Grace Christian—the Oaks' first home run of the season!

Key Moments from the Doubleheader

• Game 1: Menlo's offense exploded for eight runs, securing a dominant 8-2 victory.

• Game 2: Grace Christian's grand slam powered the Oaks to a 4-3 comeback win.

• Grace Christian: 3-7, 5 RBI, 2 runs, a double, a triple, a home run (Game 1 &2)

• Aliya Lubrin: 2-3, 2 runs, 1 RBI, a stolen base (Game 1)

• Bella Cortez: 2-5, 2 RBI,1 run, a triple (Game 1 & 2)

• Jolena Velasquez: 0-3, 2 runs, a stolen base (Game 1)

• Shelby White: 7.0 IP, 8 H, 4 BB, 2 R (Game 1)

• Rosaline Torralva: 2.1 IP, 1 K, 2 BB, 6 H, 3 R

• Destanee Perez: 4.2 IP, 3 K, 2 BB, 0 R, 3 H, first collegiate save

Game 1: Menlo 8 - 2 Chaminade

Chaminade struck first with two early runs, but the Oaks responded in a big way. In the second inning, Aliya Lubrin reached first on a perfectly placed bunt. Jolena Velasquez then beat out a fielder's choice to advance Lubrin to third after she stole second during her at-bat. Lubrin stole home on a strongly executed first and third to get Menlo on the board. With Velasquez at second now, that allowed Makalya Mentzer to follow with an RBI fielder's choice to tie the game at 2-2. 

The Oaks took the lead for good in the third inning when Tacia Kahalewai first made it to base after being hit by a pitch. Grace Christian hit a stinger out to left field, almost over the fence, to advance Kahalewai to third and put runners in scoring position. Lubrin did her job once again and singled to left field to score Tacia and advance Christian to third. Bella Cortez, with 2 outs, stepped up to the plate and delivered a clutch two-RBI triple to push the score to 5-2. Three more insurance runs came in the bottom of the 6th after the Oaks capitalized on defensive miscues from the Silverswords to end up with an 8-2 final score.  

Shelby White started in the circle for Game 1 and pitched a complete 7.0 inning game. She allowed minimal damage from the Silverswords allowing 8 hits, 4 walks, but only 2 runs across 27 at-bats. This would account for White's second victory of the season which was rightfully earned after doing her job of getting ground balls and fly outs. 

Game 2: Menlo 4 - 3 Chaminade

Chaminade grabbed an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, but Menlo remained poised. The Oaks' offense came alive in the bottom of the second. Grace Tuiteleleapaga began the action with a single to center field. Bella Cortez singled to second base to advance Grace. A ground ball to third base got Grace out at third but still left runners on base with two outs. Emma Medina loaded the bases after getting hit by a pitch. That set the stage for Grace Christian, who crushed a grand slam to left field, flipping the score to 4-2 and electrifying the Menlo dugout. Christian had hit a double and triple in the same direction earlier in Game one, so she was certainly heating up for the Oaks first home run of the season! 

The Silverswords cut the deficit to 4-3 in the third inning, but Menlo's pitching and defense held firm. Destanee Perez and Rosaline Torralva once again controlled the game, shutting down any late comeback attempts to seal the sweep. Torralva started and went 2.1 innings, striking one Silversword out, and allowing 3 runs off of 6 hits. Perez would pitch 4.2 in relief and earn 3 strikeouts, 2 walks, and only allowed 3 hits. Perez shutout Chaminade and earned her first collegiate save! 

Looking Ahead

With their first PacWest sweep now in the books, Menlo Softball will look to build on this momentum as they continue their conference slate. The Oaks have proven they can compete at a high level and will aim to keep their winning ways with their series against the Vulcans of Hawaii Hilo happening at Wunderlich Field on Monday, March 24th, starting with a doubleheader at 12pm.