HILO, Hawai'i – Hawai'i Hilo Softball fell to Concordia University Irvine in all three games of this weekend's series of Pacific West Conference play at the Vulcan Softball Field. Scores were 9-2, 2-1 and 4-1.
Both teams entered Saturday's series with unbeaten PacWest records through just a few weeks into the regular season, but the three-time reigning regular season champ and two-time defending tournament champions managed to prevail.
Hawai'i Hilo moved to 6-3 in the PacWest (12-10 overall) as Concordia moved to a 6-0 conference record (15-2 overall).
UP NEXT: Friday, March 7 (NOON + 2 PM) vs Azusa Pacific (Hilo, Hawai'i / Vulcan Softball Field)
GAME 1: CUI 9, HAWAI'I HILO 2
- CUI managed to get a fast start by bringing in a pair of runs on a two-RBI single after a lead-off walk and a double to begin the top of the first inning. The Vulcans responded in the bottom half after quickly loading the bases on free passes to first base as Victoria Macias drove in a run on an RBI hit, but CUI made a pitching change and retired the side in order. Golden Eagles then added on three runs in the top of the second.
- Lexie Tilton led off the bottom of the fifth with a single followed by a double from Macias. A wild pitch brought Tilton home to cut the deficit to three runs.
- That would be it as CUI added four more runs on four hits while the Vulcans went down in order through the final two innings.
- Hawai'i Hilo finished with five hits while CUI tallied 15.
GAME 2: CUI 2, HAWAI'I HILO 1
- The Vulcans capitalized on a CUI defensive miscue that allowed Hailey Gibson to reach on a lead-off throwing error. After a sacrifice bunt moved her over, Jayda Favela cashed in with one of her three hits for an RBI to take a 1-0 lead.
- Both teams got runners on in the fourth and fifth innings but couldn't bring them home to score.
- One hit made the difference as CUI freshman shortstop Kaliya Yco managed to second a two-run homer to left field to give the Golden Eagles the 2-1 lead and eventual win.
GAME 3: CUI 4, HAWAI'I HILO 1
- After three scoreless innings, CUI's Shelby Pfeiler managed to hit a solo shot for a 1-0 lead.
- CUI had three hits to add three more runs in the top of the seventh.
- Down to their final out, the Vulcans looked primed to rally with two walks and a base hit to load the bases. Rayna White slapped a hit up the middle to erase the shutout, but unfortunately that would be it as the Goldens took the win, 4-1, for the series sweep.
- Starting pitcher Chloe Sales tallied six strikeouts with no walks allowed in 6.1 innings. CUI finished with 10 hits.