WAIPAHU, Hawai'i — A ninth-inning error allowed the winning run to cross as Hawai'i Pacific University fell to Academy of Art 3-2 in PacWest play at Hans L'Orange Park on Thursday.
 
The Sharks (11-12, 1-10) lost for the ninth straight time as the Urban Knights (9-13, 5-4) won the opener of the four-game series.
 
"We've just got to keep grinding," said HPU head coach Garett Yukumoto. "We'll play well for most of a game, but then allow a key hit or have an error. They guys are battling and now just need a break to go their way."
 
HPU junior third baseman Wyatt Hoppie of Orange, Calif./Villa Park went 2-for-3 with an RBI, while sophomore first baseman Jordan Mopas of Ewa Beach, Hawai'i/St. Louis was 1-for-3  with a double and an RBI as the duo accounted for three of the Sharks five hits on the evening.
 
The Sharks took advantage of an ArtU error in the seventh to come back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game when junior designated hitter Codi Santana of Oxnard, Calif./St. Bonaventure HS reached on a dropped pop up, advanced to second on a passed ball and score on Mopas' RBI double. Hoppie followed with a single to left that drove in Mopas, but a double play ended the inning.
 
The score remained knotted at 2 into the ninth inning. Alex Fernandez led off with a Texas League single to left and was sacrificed to second. Then with two out, a soft one-hopper got through Hoppie at third and Fernandez same home on the play.
 
HPU threatened in the ninth, but after getting two on with one out, but a line drive double play ended the game.
 
Sophomore righthander Tyler Van Stone of Henderson, Nev./Foothills allowed both runs and 10 hits in seven innings, but struck out six while getting no decision. Freshaman lefty Russell Grant (0-1) was tagged with the loss after allowing the hit to Alexander in the ninth.
 
ArtU's Jacob Green (2-1) got the win, with Sal Johnson recording his third save.
 
The teams play another single game on Friday at 6 p.m., and a doubleheader at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Hans L'Orange Park.