IRVINE, Calif. –– The Hawaii Pacific University softball team (0-2) opened their season with a twin bill against Western Oregon University and San Francisco State University Friday afternoon in the Concordia Kickoff Classic. Western Oregon won the opener 4-2, before San Francisco State won game two 3-2. The teams played at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California.
Game One
Sophomore Taylor Thompson had the start in the circle for the Sharks. It was a pitchers duel to begin the game, as neither team allowed a single hit throughout the first three innings.
The Sharks earned the first hit of the game in the top of the fourth when senior Noel Saunders found a gap on the right side. After another hit by sophomore Tiari Hernandez, and a walk by junior Hoku Ching, HPU found themselves with the bases loaded. However, the Wolves were able to escape with no damage taken.
In the top of the sixth, Hawaii Pacific finally broke through the scoreless seal. They had two outs with Hernandez on second and sophomore Jewel Larson on third. A couple of wild pitches later, the bases were cleared with the Sharks up 2-0. Still threatening, HPU got two more runners on base, but could not capitalize with any more runs.
Unfortunately, a Wolves team that was held hitless through five innings by Thompson, found a hitting groove in the bottom of the sixth. Freshman Gianna Kerschbaum came in to help close out the frame, but the score now favored Western Oregon 4-2. Saunders earned another hit in the top of the seventh, but Hawaii Pacific was unable to tie it up.
Saunders, Hernandez, and freshman Alexis Oshiro all reached on base twice for the Sharks. HPU had eight hits as a team, while only allowing three. Thompson pitched 5.1 innings and gave up three earned runs, striking out four. Kerschbaum gave up a run but recorded the final two outs, stranding three runners to keep it a two-run game.
Game Two
The Sharks got on the board first in the bottom of the third. Freshman Alexis Oshiro reached on an error, while senior Noel Saunders followed her up with a single. After a couple of fielder's choice plays, Saunders was able to come all the way around to score the first run of the game.
Freshman Gianna Kerschbaum was holding the Gators hitless through the first three innings. However, in the top of the fourth, SF State were able to capitalize on a hit and a couple of steals to score two runs.
Hawaii Pacific, looking for another scoring chance, found one in the bottom of the fifth. Saunders earned a base hit, stole second, then advanced to third on a passed ball. Freshman Hailey Yoshida came in to pinch hit and sailed a sacrifice fly that would score Saunders, tying the game at 2-2.
A big double in the top of the seventh for SF State would net them another run. Hawaii Pacific could not get a tying run on base in the bottom half of the frame as they fell 3-2.
Saunders finished the game with two hits and two runs along with a stolen base. Kerschbaum got her first collegiate start in the circle and pitched the first four innings, surrendering two runs. Sophomore Taylor Thompson came in and threw the final three innings, giving up a run and striking out one.
Up Next
The Sharks will continue their play in the Concordia Kickoff Classic with two games tomorrow, February 4, and one game on Sunday, February 5. Their matchups tomorrow are against Colorado Christian University at 1:30 p.m. PST, and California State University Monterey Bay at 6:30 p.m. PST.
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