TRACY, CA – Menlo College Softball delivered its strongest showing of the season so far on Friday at the West Regional Crossover Tournament hosted by Humboldt State University, powering past Central Washington University, 8-2, before going toe-to-toe with #1 Cal State San Marcos in a gritty 5-3 battle. In a day that showcased explosive offense, clutch hitting, and determined pitching, the Oaks proved they can compete with anyone in the nation.

Oak Statistical Leaders

Emma Medina (G1): 2-3, 1 RBI, 1 run

Lucy Brooks (G1): 1-3, 2 RBI, 1 3B, 1 BB

Gabrielle Rodriguez (G1): 1-3, 2 RBI, 1 run, 1 BB

Sydney Costello (G1): 1-2, 1 RBI, 2 runs

Aleatha Buchner (G2): 1-3, 2 RBI, 1 3B

Makayla Mentzer (G2): 1-4, 1 RBI

Tacia Kahalewai (G1+G2): 2-6, 2 RBI, 2 runs, 1 BB, 1 2B

Grace Tuiteleleapaga (G2): 0-1, 1 BB, 1 run

Lela Yslava (G2): 6.0 IP, 5 K, 4 BB, 3 H, 5 R

Game One: Menlo 8 - 2 Central Washington

The Oaks came out locked in from the first pitch against Central Washington, retiring the Wildcats in order in the opening frame and flashing sharp defense behind steady pitching. After stranding a runner in the first, Menlo unleashed an offensive explosion in the second inning that flipped the game on its head.

Seven runs crossed the plate in a relentless rally defined by discipline and timely swings. The Oaks worked counts, drew walks, and capitalized on every opportunity. Emma Medina ignited the scoring with an RBI single before Sydney Costello added to the pressure. Lucy Brooks and Gabrielle Rodriguez each delivered key RBI knocks, with Rodriguez driving in two to break the game open. Tacia Kahalewai punctuated the inning with a two-run double, sending the Oaks dugout into a frenzy and staking Menlo to a commanding 7-0 lead.

Brooks wasn't finished. In the third, she roped a triple to right center to extend the margin to 8-0. Central Washington managed single runs in the fourth and sixth, but Menlo answered every threat. A clutch defensive stand cut down a runner at the plate in the sixth, and the Oaks stranded two more in the seventh to slam the door. It was Menlo's most complete performance of the season — dominant at the plate, sharp in the field, and composed in the circle.

In the circle in Game One, Alysia Elizarrey delivered a steady and composed performance to anchor the Oaks' dominant win. She kept Central Washington off balance from the start, retiring the side in order in both the first and third innings and pitching efficiently with early-count strikes. Even when the Wildcats threatened, Elizarrey stayed poised - working out of traffic in the sixth and getting key defensive support behind her. 

Game Two: Menlo 3 - #1 CSU San Marcos

If the opener showcased Menlo's firepower, the nightcap proved its grit. Facing the top-ranked team in the country in Cal State San Marcos, the Oaks refused to back down. The Cougars struck early, building a 0-4 lead through three innings, but Menlo settled in defensively behind Lela Yslava. The freshman right-hander battled through six innings, striking out five and limiting one of Division II's most potent lineups to just three hits while pitching out of multiple jams.

Then came the fifth-inning surge. Tacia Kahalewai sparked the rally with a single, and Grace Tuiteleleapaga worked a key walk to set the table. Aleatha Buchner stepped in and crushed a two-RBI triple to the gap, instantly shifting momentum and cutting the deficit in half. Moments later, Makayla Mentzer shot an RBI single through the infield to bring the Oaks within one at 3-4, igniting belief in the Menlo dugout. San Marcos scratched across an insurance run in the bottom half, but the Oaks kept fighting. A leadoff single in the seventh gave Menlo life, yet the comeback bid fell just short in a 5-3 final.

Up Next…

Despite the result, the message was clear: the Oaks can compete with the best team in the nation. Friday's performance marked a statement day for Menlo, a decisive win and a heavyweight fight against #1. As the Oaks continue their push through tough competition this season, they now face a new PacWest series coming up on Monday and Tuesday, March 2nd and 3rd, with doubleheaders starting at 12pm against the Eagles of Biola University.