HONOLULU – The Chaminade University softball team wrapped up their three-game series against Azusa Pacific on Saturday with a 6-1 defeat at Silversword Field at Sand Island Park.
The series win improved the Cougars, who were picked to finish second in the Pacific West Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, to 9-7 and 6-1 in the conference. The Silverswords fell to 3-21 and 2-7 in the PacWest.
Like they did in the first two games of the series, APU got an early crooked number, forcing the 'Swords to play catchup in the later innings. On Saturday, the Cougars put up a three-spot in the third inning and another in the fourth to grab a 4-0 lead.
Meanwhile, Chaminade was able to get runners in scoring position in four of the first six innings but were unable to get the key hit to bring them in.
Down 6-0 in the bottom of the seventh,
Taryn Fujioka (Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Pearl City) drew a one-out walk. That was followed by a triple into the right field corner by
Vanessa Pena (Paramount, Calif./Paramount) which plated Fujioka for the 'Swords' only run.
Fujioka, Peña and
Desiree Bravo (Corona, Calif./Mt. San Antonio College/Centennial HS) had six of Chaminade's eight hits on the afternoon, each with a pair of knocks.
Bailey Benson (Cheney, Wash./Gonzaga Preparatory) was charged with the loss while and
Ava Walker (Las Vegas/Faith Lutheran) had two Ks each.
Kamryn Lopez (Bakersfield, Calif./Garces Memorial) tossed 2 2/3 innings of relief, allowing just one run.
Azusa Pacific had 12 hits on the day, three by Sierra Sandoval. Maddy Debs picked up the win while the three-inning save went to Ava Hernandez.
The Silverswords are back in action on Wednesday to face perennial PacWest power Concordia University Irvine at Silversword Field, their final series of the current home stand. First pitch of the series-opening twin bill begins at 12 p.m.
