TURLOCK, California – The Hawai'i Hilo softball team began its five-game schedule in the Tournament of Champions, presented by the city of Turlock with dropping both contests of Friday's doubleheader to Saint Martin's and Central Washington at Pedretti Field.

It was a de facto rubber match between the Vulcans and Saints as the two teams previously split a doubleheader earlier in the season in mid-February on O'ahu.

This time, Saint Martin's racked up 11 hits to just two from the Vulcans as a five-run second inning helped fuel SMU to a 9-1 mercy-rule victory in six innings.

Lexie Tilton drove in Hawai'i Hilo's lone run on an RBI single in the third inning.

In the afternoon game, it was a closer affair but still on the short end of the stick as the Vulcans fell to Central Washington, 4-1.

Tilton again drove in the lone run of the game for the Vulcans with an RBI double in the bottom of the seventh inning.

WHAT'S NEXT

Hawai'i Hilo moved to 10-19 overall (7-11 Pacific West Conference) while Saint Martin's and Central Washington improved to 14-8 and 15-14, respectively.

The Vulcans will continue play Saturday with matchups against Western Oregon (15-17) and No. 13 Sonoma State (23-5) before concluding Sunday against Simon Fraser (6-26).

Hawai'i Hilo will then resume PacWest Conference play two weeks from now on O'ahu with doubleheaders against Chaminade and HPU.