IRVINE, CA – Menlo College Softball wrapped up day two of competition at the Concordia Kickoff Classic on Saturday, facing a pair of tough non-conference opponents in Northwest Nazarene University and Cal State Dominguez Hills. The Oaks continued to gain valuable early-season experience, showing flashes of growth and resilience across both contests.
Menlo Statistical Leaders
Game 1: Menlo 0 - 4 Northwest Nazarene University
Northwest Nazarene struck early and never relinquished control, handing Menlo a 0-4 loss in the opening game of the day. NNU scored a run in the first inning on a sacrifice fly before breaking the game open in the third, plating three runs on a two-run double followed by an RBI single. Menlo was limited offensively, as Northwest Nazarene pitching held the Oaks hitless throughout the contest. Despite drawing walks and Aleatha Buchner reaching on an error, Menlo was unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Defensively, the Oaks settled in after the third inning, holding the Crusaders scoreless over the final four frames to close out the game. Alysia Elizarrey got her second start and went 2.2 innings, adding a strikeout under her belt, before Rosaline Torralva would close out the final 3.1 innings who would only give up 2 hits and no runs allowed. .
Game 2: Menlo 4 - 11 Cal State Dominguez Hills
Menlo closed the day against CSU Dominguez Hills in a 4-11 contest that featured a steady response from the Oaks after an early deficit. The Toros scored six runs in the opening inning, but Menlo answered right away as Alina Perez scored the Oaks' first run of the game. In the second inning, Sydney Costello reached base and later crossed the plate on an RBI single from Tacia Kahalewai, continuing Menlo's effort to chip away at the lead.
The Oaks added runs in the fifth and seventh innings behind timely contributions from Makayla Mentzer, who singled and later scored, and Aleatha Buchner, who drove in a pair of runs including a seventh-inning sacrifice fly. Costello finished with two runs scored and drew a key walk late, while Lela Yslava went the distance in the circle, pitching all 7.0 innings and battling through a high-traffic lineup. Menlo showed persistence and offensive growth throughout the matchup against a tough Dominguez Hills squad.
Up Next….
Menlo will close out the weekend with one final game on Sunday, February 1st at 9am to take on Colorado Christian University at OC Great Park!
