Tribune-Herald
Tribune-Herald
Senior Rebecca Lee had three hits, including a home run, and drove in four runs to lead the University of Hawaii at Hilo to a 7-4 win over Regis University in the Desert Stinger Invitational on Sunday.
The Vulcans finished the NCAA Division II softball tournament with a 4-1 record and improved to 5-4 on the season. They next play a four-game series at Cal Baptist University, Tuesday and Wednesday in Riverside, Calif.
“During the tournament, I thought we showed that we can bang with the best teams in the West Region,” UHH coach Jaime Wallin said. “We beat the teams we needed to beat, and we gave Humboldt State a tough game (a 12-11 loss). We also gained some confidence here, but it’s going to come down to our hitting and pitching. We’ve got to get better in those areas.”
Lee, a hard-hitting shortstop out of Mililani, Oahu, went 3-for-3 with a double and a homer while driving in four runs. She also scored twice.
Kristina Victa, Emily Greene and Melanie Morelos each added two hits for the Vulcans, who outhit Regis 13-8.
Rachel Illias, Bradey King and Carlie Sexton each had two hits to lead Regis, which finished 1-4 in the Desert Stinger.
Junior Ashley Nelson (1-0) earned the win in relief of starter Danielle Wilson. Nelson hurled 6 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and one run while striking five and walking two.
Reliever Britney Lee (0-1) took the loss. She pitched 4 1/3 innings and allowed seven hits and three runs.
The Vulcans play two doubleheaders at Cal Baptist.
“Cal Baptist is a big test for us,” Wallin said. “We’re opening PacWest play and we know they always have a good team. It’s also always tough to play at their park. We’re going to have to play well.”
Desert Stinger
At Las Vegas
Regis U. 310 000 0 — 4 8 1
UHH 310 012 x — 7 13 1