KANEOHE, Hawai'i – The Hawai'i Pacific University Sharks softball team split a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon against West regional opponent Western Oregon at Howard Okita Field.
 
The Sharks (5-5) stumbled early in game one, but bounced back for a whopping 13-11 win over the Wolves (8-4). Game two came down to the wire with international runner rule coming into effect, but HPU fell just 5-3 in the extra, eighth inning.
 
Western Oregon came out swinging in the first inning of game one grabbing three runs on four hits putting them at an early advantage, but HPU retaliated with three runs of their own all being brought home by Sophomore Hoku Ching of Honolulu, Hawai'i/Roosevelt with her towering double off the left field fence tying it at three all.
 
In the bottom of the second, senior pitcher Malia Torres of Danville, Calif./Monte Vista reached on a walk, advanced to second on a ground out, and was scored by junior Noel "Tita" Saunders of Pearl City, Hawai'i/Pearl City with double to center field. Four more runs were scored on three errors by the Wolves making it 8-3.
 
WOU was able to add an additional run in the third while the Sharks saw three subsequent walks and added another run on a fielder's choice bringing it to 9-4 after four innings.
 
The Wolves found pace in the fifth frame scoring four runs on four hits and an HPU fielding error taking the game to 9-8 HPU.
 
After two Shark runs in the fifth, the Wolves were able to tie the game at 11 a piece on three hits.
HPU finished it off in the bottom of the sixth inning lead by a double from Torres and scored by Saunders. Freshman Neva Poulin of Corona, Calif./Norco brought in the final run with a single to left field and a final score of 13-11.
 
Saunders finished the game going perfect 5-for-5 at the plate with two RBI and four runs scored. Ching ended two for three with four RBI.
 
Torres pitched all seven innings allowing 11 runs (seven earned) on 17 hits with four walks. She moves to 2-4 on the year with the game one win.
 
WOU's Maddie Mayer pitched for two innings allowing nine runs (four earned) on nine hits with a walk and a strikeout. Jada Young found two and two thirds innings allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits with four walks. Nicki Derrick finished the contest allowing two earned runs on five hits with one walk. Derrick took the loss for the Wolves advancing to 0-1 on the season.
 
Game two began much the same with WOU scoring first in the second frame with three runs on back-to-back doubles.
 
The Sharks finally hit the board with a solo homer to left field from freshman Tiari Hernandez of Waipahu, Hawai'i /earl City. Following up, junior Brandi Leong of Wahiawa, Hawai'i/Leilehua tallied a base hit, stole second and was scored by Saunders. Poliahu Aina of Kailua, Hawai'i/Kamehameha-Kapalama scored her all the way from first base with a double just inside the far right corner tying the game at three.
 
In extra innings, the Wolves scored their runner at second with a lead-off double and sacrificed home Willoughby for a 5-3 lead and eventually the game.
 
The Wolves' Chelsea Smith pitched all eight innings allowing three earned runs on seven hits with five strikeouts. She remains undefeated at 5-0.
 
HPU's freshman Taylor Thompson of Phoenix, Ariz./Pinnacle threw the complete game with five runs (three earned) on five hits and picked up nine strikeouts. She takes the loss and moves to 3-3 on the year.
 
The Sharks are back at it again tomorrow in a non-conference contest with UH Hilo. First pitch is slated for Noon at Howard Okita Field.