TURLOCK, CA – Following a competitive weekend at the Stan State Invitational, two members of the Menlo Softball team have earned All-Tournament Team honors. Senior utility player Gabrielle Rodriguez and freshman pitcher Lela Yslava were recognized for their standout performances, helping lead the Oaks to their first victory of the season and delivering one of the team's strongest overall showings of the year. The weekend was highlighted by a tightly contested pitchers' duel against Stan State in which Menlo narrowly fell 0-2 but demonstrated resilience and growth against high-level Division II competition.

 

Gabrielle Rodriguez - SR UTL, Hollister, CA

Rodriguez led the Oaks offensively throughout the weekend, delivering timely hits against a challenging slate of Division II opponents. She broke out against No. 5 Cal State East Bay, driving in two runs with a first-inning single, the Oaks only runs during the game, to give Menlo an early 2-0 advantage against one of the region's top-ranked teams.

Later that day against Saint Martin's University, Rodriguez helped fuel a mid-game rally with a key single that sparked a two-run inning as the Oaks chipped away at an early deficit. She carried that momentum into the final day against Central Washington, finishing 1-for-2 with two runs scored, an RBI, a walk, and a stolen base in Menlo's first win of the season. In the tournament finale against Stan State, she recorded one of the Oaks' four hits in a tightly contested pitchers' duel that showcased one of the team's sharpest performances of the year.

 

Lela Yslava - FR RHP, Gilroy, CA

Yslava made a major impact in the circle during the tournament finale against Stan State, delivering a standout performance that solidified her place on the All-Tournament Team.

The right-hander struck out eight batters over six innings, allowing just five hits and two earned runs while working out of multiple jams. She held the Warriors scoreless through the first five innings, keeping the game within reach in what became a true pitchers' duel. Stan State finally broke through in the sixth inning with a two-out, two-run double that ultimately proved to be the difference.

In addition to her strong start in the finale, Yslava also contributed in relief earlier in the weekend. She threw 2.1 innings against Cal State East Bay and added another 1.2 innings against Saint Martin's University, continuing to build valuable experience. As the season progresses, she has been given increasing opportunities in the circle and has proven to be a growing threat to opposing lineups.

 

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.