WAIPAHU, Hawai'i — Hawai'i Pacific University Baseball opened the 2026 season Friday afternoon at Hans L'Orange Park, dropping a 16-1 decision to Cal State LA. The Sharks showed resilience throughout the contest, highlighted by strong bullpen performances and competitive at-bats as they begin the new campaign.

After the Golden Eagles used a five-run second inning to gain early momentum, HPU continued to battle and found its breakthrough in the sixth. Christian Perez doubled to spark the offense and later crossed the plate on an RBI single to center from Owen Wessel, giving the Sharks a positive moment at the plate.

Perez finished 1-for-3 with a walk and the team's lone run, while Ethan Murakoshi added a double to account for HPU's second extra-base hit of the afternoon.

Out of the bullpen, Jacob Vanek turned in an impressive outing, tossing 3.2 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out six. Flynn Warren and Rylen Bayne also provided stability on the mound with scoreless appearances, combining with Vanek for 7.1 innings of shutout relief and helping the Sharks settle in after the early deficit.

HPU's pitching staff totaled 10 strikeouts, and the defense contributed with a double play as the Sharks continued to compete through all nine innings against an experienced Cal State LA lineup.

The Sharks will look to carry those encouraging signs into the remainder of the series as they continue their opening weekend at home.