SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Menlo Softball traveled to San Francisco on Saturday for a non-conference doubleheader against San Francisco State, delivering a full day of competitive and entertaining softball. The Oaks battled through a high-scoring opening game before responding with resilience in the nightcap, grinding out an 11-inning victory to secure a split with the Gators. Strong performances at the plate from Emma Medina and Lucy Brooks, combined with an endurance effort in the circle from Lela Yslava, highlighted a day that showcased Menlo's depth, determination, and ability to respond under pressure on the road.
Oak Stat Leaders
Lucy Brooks (G1+2): 3-for-8, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 1 2B, 1 SF
Tacia Kahalewai (G1+2): 1-for-3, 2 BB, 3 runs, 1 2B
Makayla Mentzer (G1+2): 2-for-5, 2 runs, 1 BB
Emma Medina (G1+2): 4-for-8, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 2 2B
Alina Perez (G1+2): 2-for-7, 2 BB, 1 RBI, 1 run, 1 SB
Sydney Costello (G1): 3-for-4, 2 runs, 1 2B
Sierra Pasco (G2): 2-for-3, 3 BB, 1 run
Lela Yslava (G2): 11.0 IP, 5 K, 5 H, 3 R, 7 BB, Win
Game One: Menlo 5 - 8 San Francisco State
Menlo found itself playing from behind early after San Francisco State capitalized on an error and a string of extra-base hits to plate four runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Gators added single runs in the second and third to build a 2-6 advantage despite an early spark from the Oaks. Emma Medina's two-run double in the second inning scored Tacia Kahalewai and Sydney Costello, trimming the deficit and giving Menlo early offensive momentum.
The Oaks continued to chip away as Costello stayed hot at the plate, doubling and scoring in the fourth inning before Makayla Mentzer drove in a run to make it 3-6. Medina added her third RBI of the game with a bases-loaded walk in the fifth, bringing Menlo within striking distance at 4-8 after San Francisco State answered with two runs in the bottom half of the fourth. The Oaks' lineup consistently put pressure on the Gators' pitching staff, recording nine hits and drawing several key walks.
Menlo mounted one final push in the seventh. After Kahalewai reached and moved into scoring position, Lucy Brooks delivered an RBI single to cut the margin to three runs. However, the Oaks could not string together another rally, leaving two runners on base as the Gators closed out the 5-8 decision.
Game Two: Menlo 4 - 3 San Francisco State (11 innings)
The second game featured a pitcher's duel and defensive battle that extended deep into extra innings. Menlo struck first with a two-run double from Emma Medina in the opening frame, but San Francisco State answered with two runs of its own in the bottom half to even the score. The Oaks regained the lead in the third when Alina Perez singled home Makayla Mentzer, but the Gators tied the contest again in the sixth on a run-scoring single following a walk and a stolen base.
From that point forward, both teams leaned heavily on their pitching and defense. Lela Yslava settled into a rhythm in the circle, working out of multiple jams with timely strikeouts and key defensive plays behind her. Menlo's defense turned several crucial outs in the middle innings, including a caught stealing and strong plays in the infield that kept the game deadlocked through nine innings.
The Oaks finally broke through in the 11th. Tacia Kahalewai opened the frame with a double and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. Lucy Brooks then lifted a fly ball to center field deep enough to bring Kahalewai home for the go-ahead run. Yslava returned to the circle and closed the door in the bottom half, stranding the tying run at third to complete an 11-inning, complete-game performance and secure the 4-3 victory for Menlo.
Up Next…
Menlo showcased resilience throughout the day, bouncing back from an early setback to earn a hard-fought split on the road. The Oaks' offense produced timely hits across both games, while Yslava's endurance and composure in game two highlighted the team's determination in a tightly contested doubleheader. They return to the field in Rocklin, CA on Saturday, April 4th with a PacWest doubleheader at 12pm.
