COSTA MESA, CA – On the second day of the weekend series against the Lions of Vanguard, Menlo Softball showed flashes of dominance but ultimately came up short in both games against the PacWest conference rival. After being shut out 0-3 in Game One, the Oaks lit up the scoreboard early in Game Two, only to see their lead slip away in a high-scoring 7-13 defeat.
Oak Standouts
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Bella Cortez: 1-4, 3 RBI, 1 run, a triple
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Emma Medina: 4-7, 2 doubles
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Makayla Mentzer: 2-2, 1 run, 1 RBI
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Aleatha Buchner: 1-4, 2 runs
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Sofia Quintero: 2-4
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Shelby White: 6.0 IP, 1 K, 1 BB, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER
Game One: Vanguard 3, Menlo 0
Menlo started the day with promise as Emma Medina ripped a leadoff double to left center in the opening frame. However, a rare batter's interference call and two quick outs ended the threat before it could gain momentum. Despite a solid start by the Oaks' defense, Vanguard broke through in the bottom of the third. The damage continued in the fifth inning when Vanguard launched a two-run homer down the left field line, padding the Lions' lead to 3-0. Menlo's bats couldn't respond, managing just three hits over seven innings despite scattered opportunities. The Oaks left five runners on base and were unable to crack the scoreboard.
Shelby White started in the circle for the Oaks and went for the complete 6.0 innings. She struck out one Lion batter, walked one, and allowed 3 runs, 2 earned, off of 6 hits. It was overall a solid day from White in Game one.
Game Two: Vanguard 13, Menlo 7
Menlo came out swinging in Game Two, putting up a massive four-run first inning. The rally was started with back-to-back walks from Sofia Quintero, Gabrielle Rodriguez, and Grace Christian to load the bases. Makayla Mentzer then singled to third base to score Rodriguez. With two runners on base still, the inning was highlighted by Bella Cortez's three-RBI triple down the left field line, giving the Oaks early command. They added another run in the third off a groundout RBI by Jolena Velasquez to take a 5-3 lead after scoring Buchner.
However, Vanguard flipped the game in the bottom of the fourth. A six-run explosion pushed the Lions ahead 9-5. Menlo clawed back in the fifth, taking advantage of a pair of Vanguard errors and a bases-loaded walk to cut the deficit to 9-7. But the Lions struck again in the sixth, capitalizing on clutch hits to put the game out of reach at 13-7. The Oaks were held hitless in the final inning, ending any hopes of a late comeback.
The Oaks saw Rosaline Torralva start in Game two and pitch for 3.0 innings. Shelby White would come back in for 2.1 innings until Lara Edeker would close out the final two outs, only allowing a single hit in her first pitching appearance at the collegiate level. Despite the losses, Menlo showed resilience at the plate, especially in Game Two.
Up Next…
Menlo Softball stays on the road for another PacWest series in La Mirada, CA for a doubleheader against the Eagles of Biola University on Monday, April 21st at 3pm.
