TURLOCK, CA – Menlo Softball closed out the Stan State Invitational with a day that highlighted both the firepower of its lineup and the strength of its pitching staff, earning its first win of the 2026 season with a commanding 17-5 victory over Central Washington University before battling host CSU Stan State in a tightly contested 0-2 decision. The Oaks erupted for 17 runs on 16 hits in the opener, showcasing timely hitting up and down the order while capitalizing on aggressive baserunning and defensive pressure to secure the breakthrough win. In the finale, Menlo turned in one of its most complete defensive efforts of the young season as freshman right-hander Lela Yslava struck out eight over six strong innings, keeping the Oaks within reach in a pitcher's duel that was ultimately decided by a two-run sixth inning.

Oak Statistical Leaders

• Grace Tuiteleleapaga (G1): 2–4, 2 RBI, 2 runs scored

• Tacia Kahalewai (G1): 2–2, 3 RBI, 2 runs scored, 1 BB, 1 2B

• Emma Medina (G1+2): 5–6, 3 RBI, 1 run scored

• Lucy Brooks (G1+2): 3–7, 3 runs scored, 1 BB, 1 2B

• Gabrielle Rodriguez (G1+2): 2–5, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored

• Makayla Mentzer (G1): 1–3, 1 run scored, 1 2B

• McKayla Rosen (G1): 3.0 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 ER

• Lela Yslava (G2): 6.0 IP, 8 K, 4 BB, 5 H, 2 ER

Game 1: Menlo 17 - 5 Central Washington

Menlo's offense erupted in the opener, putting together a 17-run outburst to secure its first win of the season. The Oaks struck early in the first inning when Brooks doubled and later scored on a wild pitch to take the initial lead. After Central Washington evened the score in the bottom half, Menlo answered quickly in the second. Medina delivered a clutch two-run single to center to plate Kahalewai and Alina Perez, putting the Oaks ahead 3-1.

The third inning proved decisive as Menlo's lineup caught fire. Mentzer's leadoff double set the tone before Tuiteleleapaga drove in two with a single to left. Kahalewai followed with a two-run single of her own, and a sacrifice fly from Aleatha Buchner extended the lead to 8-1. The Oaks continued to apply pressure in the fourth, with Rodriguez and Kahalewai each delivering RBI hits while aggressive baserunning and defensive miscues pushed the advantage to 12-4.

Menlo put the game out of reach in the fifth, scoring five more runs on a series of timely hits. RBI singles from Lara Edeker and Medina sparked the rally, while Sydney Costello's run-scoring single capped the 17-run performance. In the circle, Mckayla Rosen opened with three innings of work, and the Oaks' defense settled in behind the pitching staff to close out the win despite Central Washington's five runs.

Game 2: Menlo 0 - 2 Stan State

The Oaks followed their offensive explosion with one of their strongest defensive showings of the season, holding Stanislaus State to just two runs in a tight pitcher's duel. Both teams were scoreless through five innings as Menlo managed scattered hits from Medina and Brooks but struggled to string together offense. Defensively, the Oaks were sharp, turning in clean innings and limiting scoring chances early.

Yslava delivered a standout performance in the circle, striking out eight over six innings while allowing just five hits and two earned runs. She worked out of multiple jams, including scoreless frames in the first, third, and fourth, keeping the game within reach. The Warriors finally broke through in the sixth with a two-out, two-run double, which proved to be the difference.

Menlo threatened in the seventh as Brooks and Rodriguez opened the inning with back-to-back singles. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners into scoring position, but Stanislaus State's defense held firm and cut down the potential tying run at the plate to end the rally. Despite the 0-2 loss, the Oaks' pitching and defensive effort highlighted one of the team's most complete games of the young season.

Up Next….

The Oaks are in Seaside, CA on Friday, February 20th for a doubleheader against CCAA foes CSU Monterey Bay starting at 12pm. They then return home on Monday, February 23rd for their first PacWest Conference series against CUI at 12pm.