The University of Hawai'i at Hilo opened a four-game series with George Fox University with a 7-6 loss at Wong Stadium in Hilo, Hawai'i.
The Vulcans are 0-2 while the Bruins are 1-0.
Designated hitter #Jeff Hanna# led the way with a 4 for 5 night at the plate that included a pair of doubles. #Keoni Manago# helped with a pair of singles and an RBI in three at bats.
"We've always got to be able to focus on every pitch and on every play," #UHH head coach Joey Estrella# said. "When they scored three runs we should have been able to shut them down but you get a mistake here and there, coupled with not focusing throughtout the game both defensively and offensively…it hurts when you lose a close game .
"There's potential there but it's frustrating until you get into the win column."
After the Bruins took a 1-0 lead in the first on an error, the Vulcans came back with #Peter Rodger's# RBI single in their at bat.
Hanna got things rolling with a lead-off double in the second. After #Shane Kessel's# single put runners at the corners, #Ronel Trias'# sacrifice fly scored Hanna. Kessel then stole second base and scored on Manago's single.
The Bruins came back with two runs in the third and three more in the fifth.
#Matt Haasenritter's# bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the fifth put up another Vulcan run.
With two outs in the seventh, the Vulcans made a run at the Bruins. Following Haasenritters single, Hanna doubled to right field to put runners on second and third. #T.J. Pilla's# single drove in two runs and brought the Vulcans back within a run. But the rally was snuffed on a flyout.