Kaneohe, HI (February 4, 2012) – In the bottom of the seventh inning, with the score tied at four, Melissa Awa doubled home Breanne Patton to lift the Hawai'i Pacific softball team to a 5-4 win over Pacific Lutheran. In the first game of the doubleheader, HPU also was victorious, 5-2.

Patton led off the seventh inning of game two with a double, and Awa became an unlikely hero.  Awa tried on multiple pitches to get a bunt down to move Patton to third, but soon she had two strikes. Back in an aggressive mode, she promptly ripped a double to the right centerfield gap to end the game.

HPU was in comeback mode for most of game two, the Sea Warriors spotted PLU a 4-0 lead. In the bottom of the fifth, HPU got on the board with a Celina Garces RBI double. HPU added another run on an Awa groundout. The Sea Warriors got two more back in the bottom of the sixth inning on an error and a Nicole Morrow RBI laser double to left.

Freshman Keila Eldert made an impressive debut for HPU as she went 2-2 and scored a key run. Her speed on the bases and centerfield make her an immediate impact player. Pitcher Melissa Kirby gave up four runs on nine hits in seven innings of work, she picked up the win.

In the season opener, PacWest Preseason Pitcher of the Year, Patton got the win. She scatted five hits and two runs over seven innings of work.

HPU struck for four runs in the second inning, highlighted by a two RBI triple by Chante Tesoro. Then, PLU's catcher headed to the mound for a conference with the pitcher without calling timeout. With no one covering home plate, Tesoro alertly ran home.

Maile Kim hit a home run in the third inning to give HPU a four run lead again after PLU had scored.

PLU is now 1-3 on the season and HPU is 2-0.

HPU next plays in the alumnae game on Saturday, then it will play Chaminade next Sunday at Central Oahu Regional Park at noon.