The UC San Diego softball team split a non-conference doubleheader with the University of Hawaii-Hilo at Triton Softball Field Sunday, dropping the first game, 5-3, before blanking the visiting Vulcans by the final of 3-0 in the nightcap. The opener was played in front of a season-high crowd of 303 on Youth Day at UCSD.
Hawaii-Hilo jumped out to a 5-0 lead in game one, scoring twice in the third and three more in the fifth. UCSD brought the game-winning run to the plate in the bottom of the seventh, but the rally fell short.
Senior first baseman Leinani Hashida was three-for-four with a run scored for the Vulcans while second baseman Claresa Asuncion, also a senior, and junior catcher Kayla Kahuli, each added a pair of hits. Freshman Leo Sing Chow went the distance on the mound for the visitors, allowing seven hits, three runs, two of them earned, and one walk, while striking out two Triton batters. Sing Chow was also a force at the plate, finishing one-for-three with a triple, an RBI and two runs scored.
Sophomore starter Keri Hanley took the loss for UCSD, falling to 5-7. Sophomore first baseman Jamie Hurst provided a two-run single in the seventh while junior shortstop Kim Aggabao and sophomore centerfielder Breanne Cope produced two hits apiece. Cope scored twice and stole a base.
In game two, Triton freshman Stephanie Kurz (pictured) threw a four-hit shutout at Hawaii-Hilo, walking just two with seven strikeouts. Kurz's second career shutout improved her record to 5-3. Junior Jodie Bland had the key hit in the game, a two-out, two-run double in the third inning. Hurst continued her hot hitting, going three-for-four with a run scored and an RBI.
Sophomore rightfielder Wendy Layton was two-for-three for Hawaii-Hilo. Senior Kristine Kahoalii (5-4) started and threw all six innings on the mound, but was pinned with the loss.
The split put UCSD's record at 15-16 overall. Hawaii-Hilo is now 18-4.
Both these teams will be competing at the Easton Tournament of Champions in Modesto next Friday through Sunday. Cal State Stanislaus is the host of the event. UCSD returns to Triton Softball Field on Thursday, April 10, hosting crosstown rival Point Loma Nazarene in a doubleheader beginning at 4:00 PM. This twinbill was originally scheduled for February 12, but was postponed due to rain.
