THOUSAND OAKS, CA – The Menlo College softball team wrapped up their five-day road trip with a 9-5 loss this afternoon to California Lutheran University at Gibello Field.

CLU struck first, with a two-run homerun by senior Prudence Kjontvedt in the third inning. The Regals added one more run in the next inning to take a 3-0 lead.

Menlo rallied in the fifth inning with leadoff batter Susanne Thomsen singling to left field and stealing second base. Freshman catcher Jamie Pauley connected for a double to left center to drive Thomsen in for a run. With two outs and runners on both second and third, sophomore Pamela Marchese singled to centerfield to score the second run of the inning.

Regals extended their lead in the fifth with six runs off seven hits and one Menlo error.

The Oaks knocked in three more runs in the top of the sixth inning off a single from sophomore Tara Richardson and a double from freshman Jamie Trentadue.

Pitching in her second collegiate game, utility player Marchese is charged with the loss after pitching six innings. Senior Danielle Everson earns her fourth victory of the year, giving up three earned runs.

The Oaks will next take the field on March 17 against Patten College in a doubleheader. First pitch is at noon.