HONOLULU, HI – Menlo Softball bounced back in a big way on day two of its PacWest Conference series against Hawaii Pacific, sweeping the doubleheader behind explosive offense and resilient pitching to earn a split in the four-game set. After dropping both games on day one, the Oaks returned with intensity, piling up runs early and often while making key defensive plays to secure victories in both contests.

Oak Statistical Leaders

Tacia Kahalewai: 6-8, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 3 runs, 1 3B

Emma Medina: 5-9, 3 RBI, 4 runs, 1 BB

Makayla Mentzer: 4-4, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 run

Lucy Brooks: 3-9, 2 RBI, 3 runs, 1 3B, 1 SB

Gabrielle Rodriguez: 3-9, 2 RBI, 1 run, 1 2B, 1 BB

Sierra Pasco: 2-6, 2 RBI, 3 runs, 1 2B, 2 BB

Alina Perez: 2-9, 1 RBI, 2 runs, 1 BB, 1 SB

Grace Tuiteleleapaga: 2-6, 3 RBI, 3 BB

Emma Wilson (Game 1): 1-3, 1 RBI

Alysia Elizarrey (Game 1): 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, Win

Rosaline Torralva (Game 2): 4.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 BB, Win

Game 1: Menlo 10 - 8 HPU

Menlo wasted no time setting the tone in game one, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Aggressive baserunning and capitalizing on defensive miscues by Hawaii Pacific helped fuel the early surge, highlighted by RBI efforts from Sierra Pasco, Emma Medina, and Gabrielle Rodriguez. The Oaks added another run in the second and extended their lead to 5-0 in the third behind a triple from Tacia Kahalewai and an RBI single from Emma Wilson.

Hawaii Pacific responded with a massive eight-run third inning, briefly flipping the game and putting Menlo in a 5-8 deficit. Despite the momentum swing, the Oaks stayed composed defensively and got key outs to prevent further damage. From there, Menlo pitching settled in, with Alysia Elizarrey providing stability in relief and keeping the Sharks scoreless over the final innings.

The Oaks offense reignited in the sixth inning, stringing together timely hits to tie the game at 8-8. Grace Tuiteleleapaga delivered a clutch two-RBI single to even the score. In the seventh, Menlo completed the comeback as Emma Medina drove in two runs with a go-ahead single. The defense closed the door in the bottom half, sealing a resilient 10-8 victory.

Game 2: Menlo 9 - 5 HPU

Menlo carried its momentum into game two, erupting for four runs in the first inning. The Oaks strung together a series of quality at-bats, with RBI singles from Gabrielle Rodriguez and Tacia Kahalewai, followed by a two-run single from Makayla Mentzer to cap the early rally. The quick start put immediate pressure on Hawaii Pacific and set the tone for the rest of the game.

After the Sharks battled back to tie the game at 4-4 through three innings, Menlo responded once again with timely hitting. In the fifth inning, Lucy Brooks reached on an error that brought home two runs, giving the Oaks a lead they would not relinquish. Additional insurance came in the sixth and seventh innings, highlighted by RBI contributions from Grace Tuiteleleapaga and another clutch hit from Kahalewai.

In the circle, Mckayla Rosen got the start before Rosaline Torralva delivered a steady performance, limiting damage and working through key moments as the Sharks threatened. The Menlo defense remained composed, making routine plays and avoiding costly mistakes down the stretch. Hawaii Pacific managed a late run in the seventh, but the Oaks closed it out to secure a 9-5 victory and complete the doubleheader sweep.

Up Next…

With the pair of wins, Menlo showcased its offensive depth, resilience, and ability to respond under pressure, key traits as the team continues PacWest play on Thursday, April 17th at University of Hawaii Hilo where they will take on the Vulcans in a doubleheader starting at 3pm PST.