Turlock, CA (March 30, 2012) – The Hawai'i Pacific softball team (22-13) lost 5-2 in 11 innings to Sonoma State University (22-13) at the Mizuno Tournament of Champions. HPU ends day one of the tournament at 2-1 in pool play.

This was a pitcher's duel featuring SSU's Samantha Lipperd and Breanne Patton; both allowed only one run through 10 innings. The Sea Wolves scored four times in the 11th inning, and HPU's comeback fell short. Lipperd set a new NCAA Division II single-game record with 26 strikeouts against the Sea Warriors.

HPU jumped in front in the first inning when Tesoro walked and was moved to second on a sacrifice by Keila Elderts, Maile Kim then singled Tesoro home. SSU would tie the game in the second, and then scoring would cease until the 11th. Down 5-1, HPU got a run in the bottom of the 11th on an RBI double by Nicole Morrow but the comeback would stop there.

HPU will play two more game tomorrow in Turlock, first against the University of California- San Diego at 11:15 AM and then Cal State East Bay at 4:15 PM.