WAIPAHU, Hawai'i – Hawai'i Pacific used a seven-run first inning to power past Chaminade, 11-7, on Tuesday evening at Hans L'Orange Park.

The Sharks wasted no time at the plate, erupting for seven runs in the opening frame. Tyler Arnold got things started with a solo home run before HPU capitalized on a wild pitch, an error, and timely hitting. Blake Helsper drove in two runs, Taydem Hashimoto added an RBI single, and Noah Hata capped the inning with a two-run single to give the Sharks a commanding early lead.

Chaminade answered with two runs in the third inning on a home run by Chris Mata, but HPU responded in the bottom half with an RBI from Kan Taguchi to make it 8-2.

The Silverswords continued to chip away, scoring two more runs in the fifth and adding late runs in the eighth and ninth, but the Sharks maintained control throughout.

HPU added insurance in the seventh inning with three more runs. Andrew Nykoluk brought in a run on a sacrifice, Hashimoto delivered an RBI double, and Taguchi was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to extend the lead to 11-4.

Jayden Gabrillo earned the win on the mound, pitching five innings while allowing four runs. The Sharks used multiple arms out of the bullpen, with Noah Rhea recording the final outs to secure the save.

Offensively, Hashimoto led the way with two hits and two RBIs, while Helsper added two hits and two RBIs. Hata and Taguchi each drove in two runs, and Arnold's first-inning home run set the tone.

Hawai'i Pacific improves to 12-13 on the season with the win.