The Menlo College softball team ended its regular season with a nonconference doubleheader split against visiting Benedictine Mesa, winning 8-0 and losing 6-5, on Monday.
The Oaks (29-17) host the Golden State Athletic Conference playoffs beginning Thursday. Menlo earned the No. 1 seed by having the best overall winning percentage, though Arizona Christian was awarded the regular season title with the most victories. The Oaks did not play a conference series.
Jordan Kennedy tossed a one-hit, five-inning shutout in the opener, giving Menlo its most victories in a season since a team record 30 in 2001.
The Oaks scored all eight runs in the first inning, sending seven players to bat before an out was recorded. Alyssa Seva’aetasi hit her second grand slam of the month, a Menlo sent 13 batters to the plate. Mary Hall singled, doubled, stole a base and scored twice in the inning.
Kennedy faced three over the minimum in painting her masterpiece. She struck out one and walked one.
In the second game, Menlo rallied from a deficit to open a 5-3 edge by the third, helped by home runs from Brooke Shigematsu and Alaina Morgan and a RBI single by Cassie Grana.
The Red Hawks scored three times in the seventh to grab the victory and end the Oaks’ six-game winning streak.
Menlo has set a number of team records, including batting average (.323) and home runs (48). Morgan broke the single-season home run record and is tied in walks (33). Shigematsu added to her single-season RBI record (42) and runs scored (41). Hall is the single season leader in doubles with 16.
Menlo plays the final game Thursday, meeting the winner of the San Diego Christian-Hope International contest.
By Menlo Athletics
By Menlo Athletics
By Menlo Athletics