HONOLULU, HI – Menlo Softball opened a new PacWest Conference series on Monday at Sand Island State Park, taking on Hawai'i Pacific in a PacWest doubleheader battle. The Oaks showed resilience and offensive firepower throughout the day, remaining competitive in both contests, but ultimately came up short in a pair of hard-fought losses. With the series still in reach, Menlo will look to regroup and respond in Tuesday's final doubleheader against the Sharks.

Menlo Statistical Leaders

Sierra Pasco (G1+2): 6-7, 2 RBI, 2 runs, 1 BB, 1 2B, 1 3B

Emma Medina (G1+2): 3-7, 3 RBI, 1 run

Gabrielle Rodriguez (G1+2): 3-6, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 2B

Tacia Kahalewai (G1+2): 2-4, 2 runs, 1 SH, 1 BB

Alina Perez (G1): 1-4, 2 RBI

Makayla Mentzer (G1): 1-2, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 2 runs, 1 2B, 1 SH

Aleatha Buchner (G1): 1-4, 1 run

Lucy Brooks (G2): 0-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 SB

Ella Underwood (G2): 1-4, 1 run, 1 2B

Grace Tuiteleleapaga (G2): 1-1

Alysia Elizarrey (G2): 6.0 IP, 1 K, 1 BB, 8 H, 3 R

Game One: Menlo 9 - 11 HPU

Menlo opened the series with an explosive start, plating two runs in the first inning behind a triple from Sierra Pasco and an RBI single from Emma Medina. The Oaks continued to apply pressure in the second, erupting for four more runs on a string of timely hits from Makayla Mentzer, Pasco, Medina, Alina Perez, and Gabrielle Rodriguez to build a commanding 6-1 lead. Offensively, Menlo showcased disciplined at-bats and situational execution early, consistently moving runners and capitalizing with runners in scoring position.

Defensively, Menlo held Hawai'i Pacific in check through the middle innings, limiting damage despite a two-run third that trimmed the lead to 6-3. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the fifth inning as the Sharks capitalized on defensive miscues and timely hitting, erupting for eight runs. The Oaks struggled to contain the rally, with multiple hits and errors extending the inning and allowing Hawai'i Pacific to take a 6-11 lead.

Menlo battled back in the sixth inning, scoring three runs behind continued offensive production from Pasco, Medina, and Perez to close the gap to 9-11. Despite the late push, the Oaks were unable to complete the comeback, going scoreless in the seventh. While the offense produced nine runs on 11 hits, defensive inconsistencies and one big inning proved costly in the 9-11 loss.

Game Two: Menlo 2 - 3 HPU

Game two featured a tightly contested pitchers' duel, with Alysia Elizarrey delivering a steady performance in the circle. Hawai'i Pacific struck first with a run in the opening inning and added another in the second, putting Menlo in an early 0-2 deficit. The Oaks threatened in the third with back-to-back hits from Pasco and Medina but were unable to bring a run across.

Menlo broke through in the fourth inning when Ella Underwood doubled and later scored on a clutch RBI double from Gabrielle Rodriguez, cutting the deficit to 1-2. The Oaks continued to fight offensively, showing resilience in the sixth inning. Capitalizing on defensive errors after Marissa Rodriguez got the ball in play, Grace Tuiteleleapaga delivered a pinch-hit single. Lucy Brooks lined a rope to score the tying run while also swiping a key base to put pressure on the Sharks' defense.

Elizarrey and the Menlo defense held strong through the middle innings, keeping the game tied at 2-2 heading into the final frame. However, Hawai'i Pacific delivered a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the seventh after a leadoff triple, handing the Oaks a tough 2-3 defeat. Despite the loss, Menlo demonstrated grit and competitiveness throughout, setting the stage for a decisive final doubleheader as they look to salvage a split in the series.

Up Next…

Menlo will have one final opportunity to split the PacWest series as they return to Sand Island State Park on Tuesday, April 13th for another PacWest doubleheader against Hawai'i Pacific. First pitch is scheduled for 3pm PST, as the Oaks aim to build on Monday's offensive momentum and close out the series on a strong note.