TURLOCK, CA (April 7, 2013) – After two days of pool play, the Hawai'i Pacific Softball Team (22-14) kicked off the bracket portion of the Mizuno Tournament of Champions with a 2-0 victory against Cal State Monterey Bay (24-19).  The victory moves HPU in to the semifinals of the Silver Bracket.

With their ace, Kristen Caskey, on the mound, the Sea Warriors found themselves in a pitcher's duel early on as both teams struggled to score until HPU struck in the sixth inning.

With one out in the sixth, Dorian Acierto hit a single up the middle and would score one batter latter when Caskey doubled to right center. Erin Fujita followed with a triple on the next play scoring Courtney Ahlo who was in to pinch run, giving HPU a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom half of the inning, the Otters got runners at second and third, but the Sea Warriors managed to throw out one runner at the plate before lifting Caskey for Melissa Kirby. In relief, Kirby induced a fly out to left field to end the threat.

The Otters would again load the bases in the seventh, but Kirby worked out of the jam to earn her first save of the season. HPU forced Monterey Bay to leave 15 batters on base in the 2-0 victory.

Along with the victory on the mound, Caskey also picked up the game winning RBI. Keila Elderts continued her strong showing in the TOC reaching base in three of her four plate appearances with a steal.

With the win, the Sea Warriors immediately turn around to face UC San Diego in one semifinal game of the Silver Bracket. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 PM PST.

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