ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Softball faced off against Jessup University in a competitive doubleheader at Wunderlich Field. Despite their best efforts, the Oaks were unable to secure a victory, with Jessup taking both games. Menlo showed resilience at the plate and on the mound, with several players delivering standout performances.
Menlo's Statistical Leaders
Game 1:
Game 2:
Game 1: Menlo 4 - 13 Jessup (6 innings)
The first game saw Menlo put up a fight but ultimately fall short against a strong Jessup offense. Menlo opened the scoring in the first inning when Tacia Kahalewai doubled up the middle and later scored on an Emma Medina RBI single. Jessup responded immediately with a home run and continued to apply pressure throughout the game. Despite several well-hit balls and key at-bats, Menlo struggled to keep up with Jessup's relentless hitting. Menlo fought back in the bottom half with an RBI double from Bella Cortez, but Jessup continued their offensive surge in the later innings, eventually sealing a 4-13 victory.
On the mound, Shelby White got the start and Destanee Perez provided relief in the fourth inning, attempting to contain Jessup's offense. Despite some bright spots, including a few strikeouts and a groundout to escape a bases-loaded jam, the Menlo pitching staff struggled against Jessup's aggressive approach at the plate.
Game 2: Menlo 0 - 12 Jessup (5 innings)
Jessup carried their momentum into the second game, jumping out to a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning. Menlo's defense held strong early, but Jessup broke the game open in the second with an explosive eight-run inning, fueled by multiple hits and a costly Menlo error. The Oaks worked to regain their footing, but Jessup continued their offensive onslaught, scoring in every inning except the fourth.
Menlo had few scoring opportunities but showed fight at the plate. Emma Medina and Bella Cortez each recorded hits, but the team struggled to generate sustained rallies. Defensively, Menlo made key plays in the outfield to limit additional damage, but the deficit proved too much to overcome as Jessup secured a 0-12 win.
Pitching in the second game, Rosaline Torralva got the start with Mckayla Rosen entering in relief, looking to slow down Jessup's offense. She managed to limit further scoring opportunities in the third and fourth innings, forcing a few groundouts and striking out a batter. However, Jessup's early lead proved insurmountable as Menlo's offense was unable to respond.
Up Next…
Menlo will look to bounce back in their upcoming non-conference matchup on Wednesday, March 12th at 12pm for a doubleheader against Stanislaus State at Wunderlich field.
