TURLOCK, California – Hawai'i Hilo Softball opened play at the Tournament of Champions, presented by the City of Turlock with a tough-luck loss to No. 19 Cal State San Marcos, 7-1, Thursday evening at Stanislaus State's Warrior Softball Field.
The Vulcans seemed prime to bring runners across the plate in the top of the third, beginning with back-to-back singles and a walk to load the bases. Jayda Favela was the second runner on, having her sacrifice bunt attempt down the first-base line flipped to a base hit after the ball died just short of rolling over into foul territory. The Vulcans got a run in to tie the game on an infield groundout, but that would be it as the side was retired by batters in order.
Cal State San Marcos took the lead in the bottom of the fifth with a two-out RBI single before really widening the gap with five additional runs in the sixth inning. The Vulcans had two attempts at turning double plays up the middle but both were unsuccessful. The first attempt was not completed in time and the second-chance opportunity's throw sailed over the first baseman's head to allow a run to score. A couple hits and an unsecured fly ball later trotted three unearned runs across as the Cougars put the game out of reach at 7-1.
Hawai'i Hilo put base runners on with a base hit in each inning, but no further damage could be dealt as it was left with eight total stranded runners.
Thursday's game was added on after early-February California inclement weather caused the cancelation of many non-conference contests to start the season.
UP NEXT
Hawai'i Hilo moved to a 13-12 record (8-10 PacWest Conference) while No. 19 Cal State San Marcos moved to a 17-10 record (6-6 CCAA).
The Vulcans wrap up with five more contests as part of the Tournament of Champions, presented by the City of Turlock hosted by Stanislaus State. Hawai'i Hilo will play Cal State East Bay and Chico State tomorrow, Sonoma State and Stanislaus State on Saturday and Cal Poly Humboldt to close the road trip Sunday.
Next home games are set for March 29-30 against Academy of Art at the Vulcan Softball Field.