ROCKLIN, CA – Competing on the road in a key PacWest Conference matchup, Menlo College softball traveled to Rocklin, California to face Jessup University in a Saturday doubleheader. Despite several standout individual performances and competitive efforts throughout both games, the Oaks were unable to hold off the Warriors, dropping a tightly contested opener before falling in the second game. Menlo now shifts its focus ahead to a challenging and opportunity-filled Hawaii road trip.
Menlo Statistical Leaders
Gabrielle Rodriguez (G1+2): 2-6, 3 RBI, 1 2B, 1 SF
Sierra Pasco (G1+2): 3-6, 1 RBI, 1 BB
Lucy Brooks (G1+2): 2-6, 3 runs, 1 SB
Sydney Costello (G1): 2-7, 2 runs, 1 2B
Makayla Mentzer (G1): 1-2, 2 BB, 1 2B
Aleatha Buchner (G1): 1-3, 1 run
Emma Wilson (G2): 1-1
Marissa Rodriguez (G2): 1-1
Lela Yslava (G1): 6.0 IP, 6 K, 3 BB, 11 H, 6 R
Alysia Elizarrey (G2): 6.0 IP, 3 K, 9 H, 5 ER, 2 BB
Game 1: Menlo 4 - 6 Jessup
Menlo opened the doubleheader battling back-and-forth with Jessup in a tightly contested game before falling 4-6. After surrendering an early run in the first, the Oaks responded in the third inning when Lucy Brooks sparked the offense with a single and stolen base. Sierra Pasco followed with a hit, and Gabrielle Rodriguez delivered an RBI single to tie the game at 1-1.
The Oaks took their first lead in the fourth inning as Sydney Costello came around to score on a heads-up baserunning play following a passed ball and obstruction call. In the circle, Lela Yslava settled in after the first inning, striking out six and navigating multiple traffic-heavy innings while keeping Menlo in front through five.
Jessup broke through in the sixth inning, capitalizing on a cluster of hits to plate four runs and take control. Menlo refused to go quietly in the seventh, loading the bases and cutting the deficit to one behind an RBI single from Pasco and a sacrifice fly from Rodriguez. However, the rally fell just short, stranding the tying and go-ahead runs as the Oaks dropped the opener.
Game 2: Menlo 2 - 8 Jessup
Menlo struck first in Game 2, taking a 1-0 lead in the opening frame as Gabrielle Rodriguez laced an RBI double to score Lucy Brooks. The early momentum was quickly challenged, as Jessup answered with two runs in the bottom half and added to their lead in the third inning following a triple and defensive miscue.
The Oaks' offense struggled to find rhythm through the middle innings but capitalized on an opportunity in the fifth. Sydney Costello doubled, advanced to third on a steal, and scored on a Jessup error to trim the deficit to 2-4. Despite putting runners on in the sixth, Menlo was unable to push additional runs across.
In the circle, Alysia Elizarrey worked through six innings, limiting damage early but facing a decisive sixth inning in which Jessup extended their lead with a three-run frame, highlighted by an inside-the-park home run. Menlo showed life in the seventh with back-to-back pinch-hit singles from Emma Wilson and Marissa Rodriguez, but the rally stalled as the Oaks fell 2-8.
Up Next…
Menlo Softball now turns its attention to an ambitious 10-day Hawaii road trip, where the Oaks are scheduled to play 12 games in a demanding stretch of competition. The trip presents an opportunity for the team to regroup, build momentum, and make a statement in PacWest play.
