ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Softball opened PacWest Conference play at home on Monday at Wunderlich Field, hosting Concordia University Irvine Eagles — the alma mater of Head Coach Mckinsey Thorpe and Assistant Coach Megan Massa. The Oaks battled throughout the twin bill, showing resilience at the plate and in the circle despite falling in both contests.
Oaks Statistical Leaders
Sierra Pasco (G1+2): 2-3, 1 run scored
Makayla Mentzer (G1): 1-4, 1 stolen base
Grace Tuiteleleapaga (G1+2): 2-4, 1 walk, 1 run scored
Tacia Kahalewai (G1+2): 1-3, 2 walks
Sydney Costello (G1): 1-3, 1 double
Emma Medina (G2): 1-2, 2 RBI, 1 triple
Lela Yslava (G1): 7.0 IP, 6 strikeouts
Game One: Menlo 0 - 7 CUI
Concordia struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on a two-out RBI single to take a 0-1 lead. The Oaks threatened in the second as Grace Tuiteleleapaga and Tacia Kahalewai delivered back-to-back singles, but the Eagles worked out of the jam to preserve the advantage. Concordia added two unearned runs in the third, taking advantage of defensive miscues to stretch the lead to 0-3.
In the circle, Lela Yslava delivered a complete-game effort, striking out six across seven innings. She navigated traffic throughout the afternoon, highlighted by a clean fourth inning and a scoreless sixth and seventh to keep the Oaks within reach. Concordia's big blow came in the fifth inning via a grand slam that pushed the margin to 0-7.
Offensively, Menlo continued to fight. Makayala Mentzer recorded a single and stolen base in the third, while Sierra Pasco added a pinch-hit single in the sixth. In the seventh, Emma Medina worked a walk and Sydney Costello roped a double to center to put two runners in scoring position, but the Oaks were unable to break through before the final out.
Game Two: Menlo 2 - 13 CUI (5 innings)
Game two opened as a pitchers' duel before Concordia used a five-run second inning to seize control. The Eagles combined timely hitting with aggressive baserunning to build an early cushion, then added three more runs in the third and five in the fourth to extend their lead.
Despite the deficit, the Oaks found offensive rhythm in the fourth inning. Sierra Pasco sparked the rally with a single up the middle, and Grace Tuiteleleapaga followed with a base hit to center. Emma Medina delivered the highlight of the day, driving a triple to center field to plate two runs and put Menlo on the scoreboard. The Oaks' defense responded in the fifth with a sharp double play in the outfield from Sydney Costello, cutting down a potential rally and showcasing their composure.
Menlo tallied multiple hits in both the third and fourth innings, with contributions from Aleatha Buchner and Pasco at the plate. While Concordia's early surge proved decisive, the Oaks demonstrated grit and competitive energy throughout the afternoon as they opened conference play on their home field.
Up Next…
Menlo will look to build on the positives as action continues on Tuesday, February 24th with a new start time of 10am in anticipation of wet weather. The Oaks hope to pull off at least one full game before the storm comes in!
