Hawaii Drops Big West Softball Opener: A Disappointing Start to the Season
The University of Hawaii softball team had a rough start to their Big West conference season, falling to UC Riverside 6-3 in their opener. The Rainbow Wahine struggled to find their rhythm and were unable to overcome the early lead established by the Highlanders.
Slow Start: The First Few Innings
The game started off slowly for both teams, with no runs being scored in the first two innings. However, UC Riverside was able to break the stalemate in the third inning, scoring three runs off of two hits and an error by Hawaii.
The Rainbow Wahine attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth inning, with designated player Mikaela Gandia-Mak scoring a run after a hit by pitch and a wild pitch. However, UC Riverside responded with two more runs in the bottom of the inning, extending their lead to 5-1.
Hawaii Attempts a Comeback: Late Innings
The Rainbow Wahine continued to battle in the late innings, with outfielder Nawai Kaupe scoring a run in the fifth inning after a double by second baseman Savvy Simo. Hawaii was able to score another run in the sixth inning, with third baseman Jasmine Ioane driving in a run with a single.
Despite their efforts, Hawaii was unable to close the gap, with UC Riverside adding one more run in the bottom of the sixth inning. The final score was 6-3 in favor of the Highlanders.
Room for Improvement: Lessons Learned
Although the loss was disappointing for Hawaii, there are several lessons that can be taken away from the game. The Rainbow Wahine struggled with their pitching and defense in the early innings, allowing UC Riverside to establish an early lead. Additionally, the team left several runners on base throughout the game, missing out on key opportunities to score.
However, there were also some positive takeaways from the game. Hawaii showed resilience in the later innings, scoring two runs and continuing to battle until the end. The team will need to build on this resilience and work on tightening up their defense and executing on offense in future games.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps
The Rainbow Wahine will have a chance to bounce back in their next game against UC Santa Barbara on Saturday. The team will need to stay focused and disciplined in order to secure a win and get their conference season back on track. With hard work and dedication, Hawaii has the potential to turn their season around and come out on top in the Big West conference.
