Hilo, Hawai‘i – There are very few athletes blessed with all the physical tools needed to succeed in any sport. And there are those who have the physical tools but lack the desire and drive to reach their potential and make it all work.

Then there's University of Hawai‘i at Hilo baseball players Michael Higa and David Chu. Side-by-side they stand tall but against the measuring stick they stand just 5-foot-7 with their shoes on. But both have the desire and drive which have made them players opponents have to reckon with.

"When you're not really tall in stature you have to make up in other areas," UHH head coach Joey Estrella said. "Michael and David have been our two best hitters especially against some of the teams we've played. They've really been our offensive show. They've been the most dependable guys in RBI situations. Not only do they drive in runs but they also move runners and get on base."

During their careers, the duo has faced the pitching strength of Florida State University, University of Kansas and Wichita State University as well as the University of Hawai‘i.

A career 300-hitter, Chu sat out last year to rehab. Since returning to the line-up, the senior from Oahu has batted in the second or third spot and leads the team with 18 runs scored, 31 hits, 45 total bases and three home runs while also tallying 16 RBI and a .284 batting average.

"As far as his ability to turn on a fast ball, go the opposite way on a curve ball or waiting longer on certain pitches, it is his ability to not be over matched in any situation," Estrella said. "He's always constantly working out in the weight room getting stronger."

Chu has been a constant in left field, and sometimes in center field, where he puts his speed, strong arm and knowledge to good use.

"He has a pretty good jump on the baseball," Estrella said. "Against Wichita State he made a few plays up in the ally and diving catches along the line. T

David Chu

hat shows he's capable of making the big play at the right time."

Higa has been making the play at the plate for the Vulcans with a team leading 24 RBI, eight doubles, a pair of triples and leads the regular starting line-up with a .330 batting average. The junior from Waipahu is second on the team in hits (30) and total bases (42).

"He's always been a good hitter," Estrella said. "He's becoming more selective at the pitches he swings at therefore he's become a more productive hitter. In situations when there is an important RBI that we need, he's a batter with a lot of confidence.

"He's very unselfish, too. There are situations where I give him the okay to hit away and he bunts the runner over to second or third base. He's thinking about the team. That's a tribute to him. He looks at the situation and reacts to his guts. His understanding of the game has grown."

Another career 300-hitter, Higa hit .301 his freshman season and a team-leading .331 his sophomore season.

In various ways, Estrella feels Higa ranks among the best second-basemen in Vulcan baseball history.

"We've had some very second baseman and for me to say that is really a tribute to him," Estrella said. "Although he's a good defensive player, I think his approach to the game and what he's meant to the team is a very valuable asset."