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Friday, February 25, 2000
Wahine continue to
By Brandon Lee
thwart Sea Warriors
Special to the Star-BulletinThe difference was just one run last night, but it was enough to extend the University of Hawaii's dominance over Hawaii Pacific in softball.
The Wahine, ranked 17th in NCAA Division I, opened the 2000 Hawaii Aina Classic with a 3-2 victory over the Sea Warriors at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.
The Sea Warriors (8-4), ranked No. 7 in Division II, have now lost to the Wahine 16 straight times, a streak dating back to 1987.
"We're proud of them," HPU coach Howard Okita said of his players. "We hit the ball solid, and that's the main thing considering the caliber of team we were playing tonight."
Hawaii (5-2) opened the scoring in the bottom of the third on outfielder Tyree Woodruff's sharp single to left that drove home Jennifer Tandarich with two outs.
In the fourth, the Wahine continued their clutch hitting, scoring their final two runs on three consecutive hits, again with two outs. Third baseman Alison Rapanot delivered what would prove to be the game-decided blow by roping a 1-1 pitch to left for a double, scoring Stacie Hirano and Dana Degen.
The Sea Warriors staged a valiant comeback attempt in the top of the seventh, taking advantage of some wildness by Wahine pitcher Janelle Gonzales. Utility player Holly Garcia started the rally with an inning-opening walk; freshman outfielder Kristin Fujii then followed by crushing a 2-2 fastball well over the 200-foot mark in straightaway center to close to 3-2.
The rally fell short as Gonzales regained her control and got out of the inning.
"Even though she wasn't real sharp, she did a good job getting out of trouble,'' Wahine coach Bob Coolen said of Gonzales.
The Wahine conclude the tournament tonight against Chaminade at 6 p.m.
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
http://www.hpu.edu
