ATHERTON, CA – Menlo College Softball spent its scorching hot Spring Break at the friendly confines of Wunderlich field, hosting Jessup University for a PacWest doubleheader that featured timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and strong pitching performances on both sides. The Oaks opened the day with an explosive offensive showing and a complete-game effort in the circle to secure a convincing victory, before the Warriors regrouped in the second game to earn a split of the twin bill. While the Oaks capitalized on key opportunities in the opener, Jessup was able to take advantage of defensive miscues and timely extra-base hits in the nightcap, shifting momentum and ultimately evening the series.
Oak Leaders
Makayla Mentzer (G1+2): 2-for-5, 1 RBI, 2 runs, 2 BB, 2 SB, 1 SH
Lucy Brooks (G1+2): 0-for-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 1 SB
Sydney Costello (G1+2): 2-for-6, 1 double, 1 run, 1 SB
Sierra Pasco (G1): 2-for-3, 2 runs, 1 BB, 1 SB
Gabrielle Rodriguez (G1): 1-for-3, 3 RBI, 1 double
Alina Perez (G1): 1-for-4, 1 RBI
Tacia Kahalewai (G2): 1-for-2, 1 BB
Aleatha Buchner (G2): 1-for-1, 1 RBI, 1 BB
Lela Yslava (G1): 7.0 IP, 6 K, 5 H, 2 ER, 4 BB — Win
Rosaline Torralva (G2): 4.0 IP, 1 K, 2 H, 4 BB, 0 R
Game 1: Jessup 3 - 7 Menlo
Menlo opened the doubleheader with energy on both sides of the ball, manufacturing early runs and backing a complete-game performance from Lela Yslava. After Lucy Brooks walked to lead off the bottom of the first, aggressive baserunning sparked the Oaks' offense. Sierra Pasco singled and later stole second while Brooks stole home to give Menlo the early advantage. A Jessup error and an RBI single from Alina Perez helped extend the lead to 2-0 after one inning.
The Oaks continued to apply pressure in the third and fourth innings. Makayla Mentzer singled and later scored on a Perez fielder's choice to make it 3-0. The game broke open in the fourth, when Mentzer delivered an RBI single and Gabrielle Rodriguez followed with a bases-clearing double to left-center, plating three runs and pushing the margin to 7-0. Menlo capitalized on defensive miscues and disciplined at-bats, drawing walks and forcing the Warriors to play from behind throughout the contest.
In the circle, Yslava controlled the pace with six strikeouts across seven innings. Though Jessup scratched across three late runs, two coming in the seventh, Yslava limited hard contact and stranded multiple runners in scoring position to secure the complete-game victory. Defensively, Menlo turned several key outs in the infield to preserve the early lead and seal a strong opening performance.
Game 2: Jessup 6 - 2 Menlo
Jessup responded in the finale, capitalizing on early defensive miscues to take control of the game. A throwing error in the first inning allowed the Warriors to plate two unearned runs, immediately putting Menlo in a deficit. Jessup added to its lead in the third with a solo home run and then broke the game open in the fourth with three consecutive run-scoring hits and a sacrifice fly, stretching the lead to 1-6.
Menlo's offense showed flashes in the third inning when Sydney Costello singled and stole second before scoring on Lucy Brooks' RBI groundout to get the Oaks on the board. In the fourth, the Oaks loaded the bases following back-to-back errors and a single from Tacia Kahalewai. Aleatha Buchner was hit by a pitch to force in a run, but Menlo was unable to capitalize further, leaving three runners stranded and missing a chance to shift momentum.
Rosaline Torralva provided a bright spot in relief, tossing four scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out one. Despite the strong outing from the bullpen and improved defensive play late, Menlo's offense could not solve Jessup's pitching down the stretch, managing only two runs on four hits in the 2-6 loss.
Up Next…
Menlo concludes the doubleheader with a split, showcasing explosive offense and strong pitching in the opener while continuing to search for consistency at the plate in the second game. They look to continue their success from game one into their next PacWest doubleheader happening on Saturday, March 21st in San Rafael, CA to take on the Penguins on Dominican University at 12pm.
