LIHU‘E — The University of Hawai‘i softball team concluded its four-game Kama‘aina Classic by sweeping each doubleheader against Chaminade, both Friday and Saturday in Honolulu. One of the team’s offensive stars over the four-game period was 2009 Kaua‘i High School
LIHU‘E — The University of Hawai‘i softball team concluded its four-game Kama‘aina Classic by sweeping each doubleheader against Chaminade, both Friday and Saturday in Honolulu.
One of the team’s offensive stars over the four-game period was 2009 Kaua‘i High School graduate Jessica Iwata. The freshman shortstop was 6 for 9 at the plate, including two triples and one home run. She had seven RBIs and scored six runs, while also picking up one stolen base.
Iwata, of Lihu‘e, will be expected to help lead a group of 11 newcomers on this year’s team if the ‘Bows are hopeful of continuing their success throughout the season. Other Kaua‘i natives on the squad are fellow Red Raider graduate Jori Jasper, who saw the field in three of the four games and scored a run, as well as 2008 Kapa‘a High School graduate Jocelyn Enrique, from Anahola.
The team started the season off in impressive fashion, sweeping Friday’s doubleheader at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium. In the first game, the ‘Bows pulled away with a 19-1 win. Pitchers Stephanie Ricketts and Makani Duhaylonsod-Kaleimamahu combined their efforts for a two-hitter.
In the second game of the night, UH pitcher Jenna Rodriguez fired a perfect game to top the Silverswords, 4-0. The junior college All-American transfer from Yavapai College retired all 21 batters faced, including six strikeouts.
On Saturday, the dominating performance continued as they concluded the weekend exhibition series with another sweep. The ‘Bows won the first game 10-1, then pulled away in the second game, 23-0.
Hawai‘i’s next action comes Friday when the ‘Bows battle their Alumnae at 6 p.m.
