KANEOHE, HI (March 19, 2013)- The Hawai'i Pacific Softball Team (10-10, 3-7) broke its five-game losing streak in a big way, sweeping the seventh ranked team in the country, Grand Canyon (22-9, 10-4). HPU won both games by the score of 2-1.

In game one it was freshman Kristen Caskey getting the start for the Sea Warriors and she answered the call with a strong appearance. She allowed just one unearned run in seven innings. The complete game was Caskey's seventh on the year, the outing moves her ERA to 2.11 and her record to 4-4 on the season.

While the Sea Warriors bats only managed four hits in the game, they were able to string together a nice inning in the fifth to break the scoreless tie. With one out, Chante Tesoro singled moving Toni Baysa over to third who reached earlier on a fielder's choice.  Keila Elderts followed with a single to right field scoring Baysa, Tesoro also scored when the 'Lopes' right fielder misplayed the ball.

GCU answered with an unearned run in the sixth, but Caskey was able to work out of the jam just giving up one run after the bases were loaded with no outs.

The two Sea Warrior runs in the fifth proved to be enough as HPU won game one 2-1.

In game two, pitching would again keep the Sea Warriors in the game as Melissa Kirby went seven innings, giving up just five hits and one unearned run.

Similar to game one, game two was scoreless heading in to the bottom of the fifth when HPU made their move. Pomai Kalakau started off the inning by reaching on an error by the 'Lopes' second baseman. Baysa moved Kalakau over to second base after a sacrifice bunt and Kalakau would score after another 'Lopes error.

HPU looked to be on its way to a 1-0 victory, but Grand Canyon loaded the bases with one out in the top of the seventh. Kirby yielded only one unearned run as GCU left the bases loaded.

In the bottom half of the seventh, HPU answered as Kalakau, Tesoro and Elderts all singled to load the bases with one out. After a strike out, Caira Pires fought back from a 1-2 count to draw the walk-off walk to give HPU the 2-1 win in game two.

Tesoro had another big day for HPU from the plate going 3-6 and scoring one run. Elderts finished the day going 3-6 from the dish as well and added one RBI. The victory moves Kirby to 5-4 on the season and drops her ERA below three to 2.77.

PacWest play continues for the Sea Warriors when they face Azusa Pacific on March 26th at Howard A. Okita Field; first pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 1:00 PM.

Game One Box
Game Two Box