ATHERTON, CA – Menlo College softball battled through a hard-fought doubleheader against the University of Hawaii Hilo, securing a thrilling 2-1 walk-off victory in Game 1 before struggling offensively in Game 2, falling 3-0. The Oaks earned the split thanks to Alexia Lozano's clutch RBI single up the middle to seal the win in the opener, marking another gritty performance at home.
Key Oaks from the Doubleheader
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Alexia Lozano: 2-3, 1 RBI (Game 1)
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Gabrielle Rodriguez: 1-3, 1 RBI, a triple (Game 1)
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Grace Christian: 1-3, 1 run scored (Game 1)
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Jolena Velasquez: 1-2, 1 run scored, a triple (Game 1)
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Shelby White: 7.0 IP, 4 K, 1 BB, 1 R, 7 H (Game 1)
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Destanee Perez: 7.0 IP, 4 K, 4 BB, 3 R, 8 H (Game 2)
Game 1: Menlo 2 - 1 Hawaii Hilo
Hawaii Hilo struck first in the opening frame with an RBI double, but Menlo responded with stellar pitching and timely hitting. The Oaks tied the game in the third inning when Grace Christian singled through the left side to make it on base. That set the stage for Gabrielle Rodriguez who ripped an RBI triple to right field, bringing home Christian and evening up the score.
The game remained locked at 1-1 until the bottom of the seventh, when Jolena Velasquez tripled to right-center to put the winning run just 60 feet away. With two outs, Alexia Lozano stepped up and delivered the decisive RBI single up the middle, sending the Menlo dugout into celebration and securing the 2-1 upset victory.
Shelby White started for the Oaks inside the circle and pitched a complete 7.0 innings to earn her 3rd win of the season. She allowed 7 hits but only 1 run, 1 walk, while striking out 4 Vulcan batters.
Game 2: Menlo 0 - 3 Hawaii Hilo
The Oaks struggled to find their offensive rhythm in Game 2, as Hawaii Hilo's pitching staff turned in a dominant performance, holding Menlo hitless. Despite several hard-hit balls, the Oaks could not break through against the Vulcans' ace.
Hilo capitalized on their opportunities, scoring twice in the second inning and adding an insurance run in the fifth. Menlo had a chance to rally late, putting a runner on in the seventh, but the Vulcans closed out the game to complete the shutout.
Menlo's Destanee Perez had a strong outing herself in the circle despite taking her 7th loss of the season. Perez pitched the complete 7.0 innings and allowed 8 hits, only 3 runs, 4 walks, and struck out 4 Vulcan batters.
Looking Ahead
The Oaks continue their PacWest Series with the Vulcans tomorrow, Tuesday, March 25th, with one more single-game at Wunderlich Field starting at 12pm!
