SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Hawai'i Pacific wrapped up its road series at Point Loma on Saturday with an 8-9 battle in the finale after dropping the opening game 10-0 earlier in the day.

In the second game, the Sharks responded with one of their most complete offensive performances of the weekend, tallying 12 hits and putting constant pressure on the Sea Lions.

HPU struck first in the opening inning when Tyler Arnold delivered a two-RBI single up the middle to score Christian Perez and Kan Taguchi. After Point Loma answered with five runs in the bottom half, the Sharks fought back in the third. Taguchi launched a solo home run to right, followed by a Perez blast to right center. Blake Helsper added a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 5-5.

HPU regained the lead in the fifth on a Taydem Hashimoto sacrifice bunt that plated Taguchi, making it 6-5. In the seventh, Helsper came through again with a two-run single to center, scoring Hashimoto and Arnold to give the Sharks an 8-6 advantage.

Taguchi led the way offensively, going 3-for-4 with a home run, double, and three runs scored. Perez also finished 3-for-4 with a homer and two runs scored, while Arnold added two hits, two RBI, and two walks. Helsper drove in three runs in the contest.

On the mound, Noah Rhea provided 5.1 innings of steady relief, allowing just one run while striking out three to keep HPU within striking distance.

In the opener, the Sharks were limited to two hits as Point Loma capitalized on early scoring opportunities. Kan Taguchi and Ethan Murakoshi accounted for HPU's hits in the contest.

Despite the results, the Sharks showed resilience in the series finale, producing 12 hits and battling into the final inning against a strong conference opponent.

HPU will look to build on the offensive momentum as they continue conference play next week.