ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Softball wrapped up its first PacWest Conference series, none other than against Coach Thorpe and Messa's alma maters, the Concordia University Irvine Golden Eagles at Wunderlich Field, battling across two games on their home diamond in Atherton. Sierra Pasco and Tacia Kahalewai celebrated their first home runs of the season during game 1.
Oak Statistical Leaders
Sierra Pasco (G1): 1-3, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, 1 HR
Tacia Kahalewai (G1): 2-3, 2 RBI, 1 run scored, 1 HR
Aleatha Buchner (G1+2): 3-6, 2 runs scored, 1 2B
Grace Tuiteleleapaga: 0-3, 1 run scored, 1 BB
Lucy Brooks (G2): 2-3, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 2B
Gabrielle Rodriguez (G1+2): 1-6, 2 BB
Emma Medina (G1+2): 2-6, 1 run scored, 1 SB
Game One: CUI 19 - 4 Menlo
Menlo struck first in the opening frame when Sierra Pasco launched a solo home run to left-center after Lucy Brooks reached on a bunt single, giving the Oaks an early 1-0 edge. Concordia responded with a three-run second inning and continued to capitalize on timely hitting and extra-base power throughout the afternoon. Despite the deficit, Menlo's offense showed resilience, collecting 10 hits in the contest.
In the second inning, the Oaks threatened with three consecutive singles from Tacia Kahalewai, Aleatha Buchner, and Emma Medina to load the bases, but were unable to push a run across. Kahalewai later provided a spark in the sixth inning with a two-run homer to right-center, scoring Grace Tuiteleleapaga and trimming the margin. Her home run would account for her first ever in her softball career. Buchner added a multi-hit performance, while Medina contributed aggressive baserunning, including a stolen base and heads-up advancement that led to an unearned run.
Defensively, Menlo turned a 2-6-3 double play in the third inning to keep the Golden Eagles off the board. In the circle, the Oaks navigated early traffic before Concordia's lineup broke through with several late extra-base hits. Menlo continued to compete through the final out, battling against a powerful offensive surge in the seventh.
Game Two: CUI 10 - 3 Menlo
Concordia manufactured a run in the first inning of Game Two and capitalized on a three-run second to build an early advantage. Menlo answered in the third when Aleatha Buchner doubled down the right-field line and later scored, putting the Oaks on the board. The offense continued to apply pressure, collecting key hits and drawing walks to create scoring opportunities.
Lucy Brooks led the charge late, doubling in the fifth and delivering a two-RBI single in the sixth to score Emma Medina and pinch runner Mckayla Rosen, cutting the deficit to 7-3. Medina added a single in the rally, while Grace Tuiteleleapaga worked a walk to ignite momentum. Menlo's lineup consistently put runners aboard, tallying six hits and forcing Concordia to make defensive plays.
In the circle and defensively, the Oaks worked to limit damage after early miscues contributed to unearned runs. The defense settled in during the middle innings, highlighted by a caught stealing in the seventh. Though Concordia added late home runs to extend the lead, Menlo continued to battle offensively until the final frame.
Up Next….
Menlo will look to build on its offensive production and defensive execution as the Oaks attend the Western Regional Crossover Tournament in Tracy, Ca with games against Central Washington and Cal State San Marcos on Friday, February 27th.
