ATHERTON, CA –Sophomore Megan Pacchetti hit a left field homerun on the first pitch she faced in the bottom of the fifth to score three runs to give the Oaks a 4-3 victory in the opening game of the doubleheader to Northwest Christian College. A late rally by the Beacons secured a 9-6 win in the nightcap on Thursday at Wunderlich Field.

At the plate, the Oaks registered 17 hits for the day, three doubles, two triples and a homerun. Junior Meagen Kincaid led Menlo offensively, going 4 for 9 with two runs and a RBI.

In the opener, Northwest Christian jumped out to a three run lead in the first off a hit and an error. The Oaks scored a single run in the fourth followed by Pacchetti’s homerun in the fifth. Sophomore Rochelle Joseph notched her third win of the season after pitching a complete game, allowing only one hit while striking out four batters.

In the second game, the Beacons quickly got four runs on the board. Sophomore Tara Richardson registered a RBI in the second inning after hitting a double up the middle to bring freshman Brittany Whitaker who reached base with a walk. Menlo took the lead in the third inning scoring four runs off three hits including freshman Alisha Vegas’ first triple of the season. Northwest Christian scored five more runs in the next three innings to retake the lead. The Oaks attempted a rally in the bottom of the seventh scoring one more run.

Sophomore utility player Pamela Marchese is charged with the loss in her pitching debut in an Oaks uniform after pitching seven innings. Beacons starter Wyatt earned the victory, giving up 11 hits and four earned runs.

The Oaks host Oregon Institute of Technology in a single game tomorrow on Wunderlich Field. First pitch is at 3 p.m.