IRVINE, CA – Menlo College Softball opened the 2026 season this weekend at the Concordia Kickoff Classic, facing a pair of tough regional opponents in Western Oregon and CSU San Bernardino on day one of the tournament. Menlo competed in two tightly contested games against experienced programs, staying within striking distance early and fighting until the final outs. The Oaks were one swing away from extending Game 1 into a dramatic finish and showed offensive spark in Game 2, holding a tie through the early innings before CSUSB pulled away late. While the Oaks did not yet find their way into the win column, the opening weekend showcased resilience, timely offense, and flashes of depth that signal an encouraging start to the new season.
Oak Leaders
Aleatha Buchner: 3-7, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, 1 BB (G1+G2)
Lucy Brooks: 2-6, 2 runs scored, 2 BB (G1+G2)
Emma Medina: 1-4, 1 RBI (G1)
Makayla Mentzer: 0-3, 1 dun scored (G1)
Sierra Pasco: 1-3, 2 RBI (G2)
Alysia Elizarrey: 5-1 IP, 2 K, 2 ER, 4 H (G1)
Game 1: Menlo 2 - 4 Western Oregon
Western Oregon struck first in the bottom of the opening inning, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to take an early 0-2 lead. Menlo responded with steady pressure throughout the middle innings, collecting hits from multiple spots in the lineup but was unable to push runs across against timely defense.
The Wolves added insurance runs in the sixth inning to extend the margin, but the Oaks refused to fold. In the top of the seventh, Menlo mounted a late rally as Aleatha Buchner and Emma Medina each delivered RBI singles, bringing the game-winning run to the plate. Western Oregon ultimately shut the door to secure the 2-4 result, but Menlo's late surge highlighted the team's ability to compete in pressure moments. It was a promising first outing for the junior transfer Alysia Elizarrey who went 5.1 IP, 5 hits, 2 earned runs, 2 strikeouts, and 4 walks. Lela Yslava would come in relief for the final two outs of the game.
Game 2: Menlo 2 vs. 9 CSU San Bernardino
Menlo wasted no time in Game 2, answering CSUSB's opening run with a strong bottom of the first inning. After setting the table, Sierra Pasco delivered a two-run triple to give the Oaks a 2-1 advantage. The teams traded runs over the next several innings, with the game remaining tied deep into the early frames. CSU San Bernardino broke the game open late, using a combination of timely hits, aggressive baserunning, and capitalizing on opportunities to pull ahead in the middle and later innings. Menlo continued to battle offensively and defensively, but the Coyotes' late surge proved decisive as the Oaks closed the day with a hard-fought loss. Rosaline Torralva got the start in Game 2 and went 4.2 IP before Ava Messina made her first collegiate appearance in the circle. It would be Lela Yslava who would return to close out the final outs for Menlo in game 2.
Up Next….
Menlo Softball is back at OC Great Park bright and early on Saturday, January 31st for another two matchups. At 8am, the Oaks face off Northwest Nazarene on Field 4 before ending the day at Field 2 for their game against CSU Dominguez Hills at 4:30pm. Follow along using the live stat links at Menloathletics.com!
