HILO, HI – Menlo College Softball wrapped up its 10-day Hawaii road trip Friday afternoon at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, battling through a competitive doubleheader against the Vulcans. Despite coming up short in both contests, the Oaks continued to show resilience and flashes of offensive production, highlighted by Lucy Brooks' first home run of the season. Menlo now turns its focus to a celebratory and important final PacWest doubleheader of the 2026 season at home.
Oak Statistical Leaders
Lucy Brooks (G1): 1-4, 1 RBI, 1 run, 1 HR
Gabrielle Rodriguez (G1+2): 3-5, 1 run
Emma Medina (G1): 1-3, 1 RBI, 1 3B
Tacia Kahalewai (G1): 0-1, 2 BB
Aleatha Buchner (G1): 1-3
Sierra Pasco (G1): 1-4
Alina Perez (G1): 0-2, 1 SH
Emma Wilson (G2): 1-1
Alysia Elizarrey (G1): 6.0 IP, 0 BB, 11 H, 4 ER
Ava Messina (G2): 2.1 IP, 0 BB, 6 H, 1 R
Game 1: Menlo 2- 5 Hilo
Menlo opened the first game with strong defensive execution, retiring the Vulcans in order in the first inning and matching Hawaii Hilo early. After a scoreless opening frame, the Vulcans capitalized in the second inning with timely hitting and an unearned run to build a 0-3 advantage. Despite the early deficit, the Oaks stayed composed and responded in the third inning when Lucy Brooks delivered a solo home run, her first of the season and during her time at Menlo, to put Menlo on the board.
Offensively, the Oaks found a rhythm in the middle innings, stringing together four hits in the third inning and adding another run in the fifth. Gabrielle Rodriguez continued her consistent day at the plate, while Emma Medina's RBI triple in the fifth cut the deficit to just one run at 2-3. Menlo applied pressure with runners on base in multiple innings but was unable to find the timely hit to complete the comeback.
In the circle, Alysia Elizarrey delivered a complete-game effort, showing control by issuing no walks across six innings. Defensively, the Oaks tightened up after the second inning, holding Hilo scoreless over the final two frames and giving the offense a chance late. Despite a strong push, Menlo fell 2-5 in a competitive opener.
Game 2: Menlo 0 - 8 Hilo (5 Innings)
The second game presented early challenges for Menlo, as Hilo used a big second inning to seize momentum. After a quiet first inning offensively, the Oaks found themselves trailing following a multi-run rally by the Vulcans that included a grand slam. Menlo continued to compete defensively, working through traffic on the bases and limiting additional damage in later innings.
The Oaks showed positive signs at the plate in the fourth inning, when Emma Wilson and Gabrielle Rodriguez recorded back-to-back singles to spark a scoring opportunity. Menlo consistently put the ball in play but was unable to break through against the Vulcan pitching staff. Throughout the game, the Oaks maintained disciplined at-bats and continued to battle despite the scoreline.
In relief, Ava Messina provided stability in the circle, allowing just one run over 2.1 innings without issuing a walk. Her performance helped slow Hilo's offense and gave Menlo a chance to regroup defensively. While the final result did not fall in the Oaks' favor, the team's effort and resilience remained evident through the final out.
Up Next…
Menlo now returns home looking to close out the 2026 PacWest season on a high note. Thursday, April 23rd's doubleheader will not only mark the final conference games of the season but also a Senior Day celebration, as the Oaks honor their graduating class before taking the field against Dominican University. Ceremonies are projected to begin around 11:30am!
