ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Softball delivered a statement performance Tuesday afternoon at Wunderlich Field, powering past Vanguard University for a historic PacWest doubleheader sweep, the program's first conference sweep of the 2026 season under Head Coach Mckinsey Thorpe. Backed by clutch hitting, aggressive baserunning, and steady pitching, the Oaks put together one of their most complete performances of the year. From a dramatic comeback walk-off in game one to a commanding offensive surge in game two, Menlo fired on all cylinders in a day that showcased the team's resilience, chemistry, and ability to rise in big moments. The result was a sweep that not only felt great in the moment but marked a milestone day for the program.
Oak Statistical Leaders
Gabrielle Rodriguez (G1+2): 4-8, 3 R, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 2 2B
Tacia Kahalewai (G1+2): 3-6, 4 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 2B, 1 SB
Lucy Brooks (G1+2): 3-5, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 1 2B, 2 SB
Sierra Pasco (G1+2): 2-8, 1 RBI, 2 R, 1 HR
Alina Perez (G1+2): 3-4, 3 R, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 SB
Emma Medina (G1+2): 3-7, 1 RBI
Sydney Costello (G1+2): 1-4, 1 R, 2 SB, 1 BB
Rosaline Torralva (G1): 3.0 IP, 1 K, 1 BB, 2 H, 0 R — Win
Alysia Elizarrey (G2): 7.0 IP, 1 K, 2 BB, 7 H, 2 ER — Win
Game One: Vanguard 5 - 6 Menlo
The Lions struck first in the opening inning, using a pair of doubles to plate an early run before adding another in the third. Vanguard appeared to seize control in the fourth inning when a pair of defensive miscues allowed three unearned runs to cross, giving the visitors a 0-5 advantage midway through the contest.
Menlo slowly began to chip away. The Oaks broke through in the fifth when Sydney Costello reached base and eventually scored on an RBI fielder's choice from Lucy Brooks. The comeback truly ignited in the sixth inning when Sierra Pasco launched a solo homer to left-center to start the rally. Moments later, Emma Medina delivered an RBI single and Tacia Kahalewai drove home another run with a clutch single through the right side, trimming the deficit to 4-5.
Menlo's pitching stabilized the game as Rosaline Torralva tossed three scoreless innings in relief, allowing the offense a chance to finish the rally. In the bottom of the seventh, Gabrielle Rodriguez opened the frame with a single before Medina added another hit to load the bases. Costello reached on a fielder's choice that brought home the tying run, setting the stage for Kahalewai. The Oaks' third baseman delivered the decisive moment, driving in the winning run on a fielder's choice to cap a six-run comeback and 6-5 walk-off victory.
Game Two: Vanguard 3 - 8 Menlo
Menlo carried the momentum into game two, quickly responding after Vanguard pushed across an unearned run in the second inning. The Oaks answered immediately as Alina Perez and Sydney Costello created havoc on the bases with steals before Tacia Kahalewai ripped a two-run single through the right side to give Menlo its first lead of the afternoon.
The Oaks added to their advantage in the third inning. A double from Gabrielle Rodriguez and a clutch two-RBI single from Perez stretched the lead to 4-1, putting Menlo firmly in control. One inning later, the offense delivered its knockout punch. Kahalewai doubled to start the rally and later scored on a perfectly placed bunt single by Lucy Brooks. After another base hit extended the inning, Rodriguez stepped in and crushed a three-run home run to left field, capping a four-run inning and pushing the Oaks ahead 8-1.
With the offense surging, Alysia Elizarrey commanded the circle for Menlo. The right-hander worked a complete seven innings, limiting the Lions to two earned runs while navigating traffic with steady defense behind her. Vanguard threatened with two late runs in the seventh, but Elizarrey induced the final outs to seal an 8-3 victory and complete the historic PacWest sweep.
Behind timely hitting from Rodriguez and Kahalewai, relentless baserunning, and strong pitching performances from Torralva and Elizarrey, Menlo delivered one of its most complete conference showings of the season.
Up Next…
The Oaks' resilience in game one and offensive firepower in game two highlighted a landmark day for the program at Wunderlich Field. They have a well-deserved break until Friday, March 20th when they host Jessup University for their next PacWest series with a doubleheader at 12pm.
