HONOLULU – The Chaminade University softball team completed the second game of their four-game series against Azusa Pacific Tuesday morning. For the second straight game, the outcome was decided in the ninth inning.
However, unlike Game 1 won by the Silverswords, the Cougars managed to push a run across in the top of the frame to earn a 3-2 win at Silversword Field at Sand Island Park.
Recapping the Monday events in Game 2 of the series, Chaminade opened with a run in the first when
Keaolani Takemura (Pearl City, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mid-Pacific Institute) tripled in
Jaeda Cabunoc (Kaneohe, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Roosevelt), her second three-bagger of the game.
After APU countered with a run in the third, CUH got it back on
Chasity McKean's (Kapolei, O'ahu, Hawai'i/College of Southern Nevada/Kapolei HS) RBI knock. The run was set up when the catcher overthrew second base in an attempt to pick off
Taryn Fujioka (Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Pearl City).
However, the Cougars tied it at 2 when a throw to second on a force play went into center field, bringing home Bella Fraser.
The 'Swords were in prime position for another walk-off in the seventh by loading the bases but couldn't get the run in, evoking the curfew.
When the game resumed at 10:59 a.m. the next morning,
Bailey Benson (Cheney, Wash./Gonzaga Preparatory) put the lead-off batter on but got out of it with an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play.
Chaminade couldn't get the winning run across in its half of the eighth, then in the ninth, APU scratched out the go-ahead run. The Silverswords, in their half of the ninth, got a leadoff single from Fujioka. APU then summoned staff ace Katie Korstrom to close it out although Fujioka got to third with one out. However, the 'Swords were never able to scratch out the tying run off her.
The first six batters in the lineup card got all eight hits for the 'Swords.
Taylor Genera (Norwalk, Calif./Whitney), seeing her first action in the circle since Feb. 25, tossed the first four innings and received a no-decision. Benson threw the final five but was charged with the loss to fall to 1-5.
Sydnie Sahar tossed 3 2/3 innings of relief to earn the win while Korstrom earned her first save of the season.
