HONOLULU – The Chaminade University softball team wrapped up the home portion of their 2024 schedule Sunday by dispatching in-state rival University of Hawai'i Hilo, 3-0, at Silversword Field at Sand Island Park.
Although it was a non-conference meeting, the victory provided a bit of consolation for the Silverswords, less than 24 hours removed after suffering a pair of tough Pacific West Conference losses to the Vulcans.
The second game saw three rain delays before a downpour in the bottom of the third inning stopped the game, which at the time was tied at 1.
Ashley Ogata (Mililani, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mililani) turned in one of the finest pitching performances of her career, recording her first career complete-game shutout, scattering six hits while striking out three with just one walk. The sophomore also had a second-inning base hit, which helped lead to a run.
Keaolani Takemura-Brehme (Pearl City, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mid-Pacific Institute), one of six departing seniors, had two of Chaminade's seven hits and drove in the game's first score.
Taryn Fujioka (Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Pearl City) led off the first on an infield single and, after moving to second, was brought home by Takemura-Brehme.
Another senior playing her final home game,
Chasity McKean (Kapolei, O'ahu, Hawai'i/College of Southern Nevada/Kapolei HS), led off with a triple into the right field corner then came home on
Larchelle Tuifao's (Ewa Beach, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kapolei) RBI single. The 'Swords loaded the bases when a wild pitch allowed Fujioka to scamper home for a 3-0 Chaminade lead.
That proved to be more than enough for run support for Ogata, who stranded five Vulcans in scoring position including runners at third in the third, fifth and sixth innings. Ogata improved to 4-7 on the season while Tehani Seto took the loss.
In the nightcap game under darkening skies and a slight drizzle, there were three rain delays with the score tied at a run each. A downpour then forced the game to be called. Since it did not reach the minimum five completed innings, the outcome was declared a "no contest" so the results and all statistics are voided. The game will not be resumed or made up.
Takemura-Brehme, McKean,
Kobe Brown (Mililani, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mililani),
Kailah Gates-Coyaso (Waianae, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Waianae),
Haley Hayakawa (Torrance, Calif./South) and
Jaeda Kumaewa-Cabunoc (Kaneohe, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Roosevelt) were the seniors playing in their final home games.
The Silverswords and Vulcans will meet again on Saturday, this time on the Big Island for another important PacWest doubleheader particularly for the 'Swords, who are attempting to overtake Dominican for the fourth and final spot for the PacWest Tournament.
First pitch at Vulcans Softball Field is scheduled for 12 p.m.
