COSTA MESA, Calif. — Hawai'i Pacific bounced back from a tight loss in the second game to take the final two games of the series against Vanguard, highlighted by a dominant 15-5 run-rule victory to close out the weekend.

The Sharks dropped the second game of the series, 2-1, despite a strong complete-game effort from Jayden Gabrillo. Hawai'i Pacific struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on aggressive baserunning as Noah Hata came around to score on a throwing error. Vanguard responded immediately with two runs in the bottom half and held on, limiting the Sharks to just two hits in the game.

HPU responded in game three with a 6-3 win, using early pressure to take control. The Sharks plated four runs in the first two innings, with Jayden Gabrillo driving in two and Noah Hata adding an RBI. Nick Blakeney earned the win on the mound, while Noah Rhea secured his eighth save of the season to seal the victory.

The Sharks carried that momentum into the series finale, delivering their most complete offensive performance of the weekend in a 15-5 win. After a back-and-forth start, Hawai'i Pacific broke the game open with a 10-run seventh inning, showcasing depth throughout the lineup.

Noah Hata led the charge with a three-RBI triple, while Rylen Bayne and Owen Wessel each contributed multiple RBIs during the explosive inning. Jayden Gabrillo also drove in four runs, and Tyler Arnold added a home run as part of the Sharks' 15-hit performance.

On the mound, Andrew Nykoluk earned the win in relief, helping shut down Vanguard over the final innings.

With the series win, Hawai'i Pacific improves to 23-18 overall, continuing to build momentum as the season progresses.