SEASIDE, CA – Menlo Softball wrapped up its non-conference slate on Friday afternoon with a road doubleheader against Cal State Monterey Bay in Seaside, California. The Oaks battled a quality CCAA opponent but ultimately fell in both contests before turning their attention to PacWest Conference early play next week.
Oaks Statistical Leaders
Alina Perez (G1): 2-3, 2 RBI, 1 run scored, 1 2B
Makayla Mentzer (G1+2): 2-4, 1 run scored, sac bunt, 1 2B, 1 SB
Lucy Brooks (G1): 1-2, 1 BB, 1 run scored
Gabrielle Rodriguez (G1): 1-2, 1 RBI, 1 run scored
Grace Tuiteleleapaga (G1): 0-1, 2 BB, 1 run scored
Tacia Kahalewai (G1): 0-1, 1 RBI, sac fly
Emma Medina (G2): 1-2
Game One: Otters 13 - 5 Oaks
Menlo looked to set the tone early but was held hitless through the first three innings. The Otters capitalized in the opening frame with an RBI single after a leadoff hit and stolen base, then broke the game open in the second inning. A double followed by a pair of run-scoring hits and a bases-loaded walk forced a pitching change as CSU Monterey Bay extended its lead to 0-5. The Otters added another run in the third on three consecutive singles to make it 0-6.
The Oaks responded with their strongest offensive surge in the fourth. Makayla Mentzer sparked the rally with a single before Lucy Brooks followed with a base hit. Gabrielle Rodriguez delivered an RBI single to put Menlo on the board, and Tacia Kahalewai lifted a sacrifice fly to trim the deficit to four. With two runners still aboard, Alina Perez roped a two-run double down the right-field line. Perez later scored in the inning, capping a five-run outburst that pulled the Oaks within one at 5-6.
Defensively, Menlo settled in during the fourth, working around two Otter hits to keep the game close. However, CSU Monterey Bay answered with three runs in the fifth on a string of doubles, then capitalized on walks and timely hits in the sixth to plate four more and seal the 5-13 final. The Oaks' pitching staff battled through multiple high-traffic innings, while the offense produced five runs on four hits during the decisive fourth frame.
Game Two: Otters 8 - 0 Oaks
In the finale, Menlo threatened early when Mentzer doubled down the left-field line in the first inning, but the Oaks were unable to bring her home. The Otters struck first in the bottom half, using two walks and back-to-back RBI singles to take a 2-0 lead.
The Oaks generated another opportunity in the third as Emma Medina singled and Aleatha Buchner followed with a base hit to put runners on. Mentzer reached on a fielder's choice and stole second, but the Otters escaped the jam with a strikeout to maintain their advantage. Defensively, Menlo recorded key outs, including a pair of strong plays at the plate that cut down runners and prevented additional damage in the middle innings.
CSU Monterey Bay extended its lead with a two-run homer in the fourth and added four more in the fifth on five hits, including a two-run double and RBI singles. Despite scattering hits from Medina and Costello and showing aggression on the basepaths, the Oaks were unable to break through offensively as the Otters secured the 0-8 shutout.
Up Next…
Menlo now shifts its focus to PacWest Conference play, looking to build on the offensive spark shown in game one as the Oaks return to conference competition on Monday, February 21st at Wunderlich Field with a doubleheader against the Golden Eagles of Concordia Irvine.
