Playing its first game with the No. 8 (ranking) in front of its name, coach Peejay Brun just wanted her University of Hawaii at Hilo softball team to relax.
But after a somewhat lackluster offensive showing in Saturday’s opener, a Vulcans 3-1 victory, Brun decided to exert a little pressure.
“In between games, I told them it’s great to win, but we need to score at least five runs (in the second game),” Brun said.
If UH-Hilo was feeling any heat, Shelby Vickers lifted it with one swing – a grand slam that powered a 11-1 victory against Chaminade and gave the Vulcans a sweep at home.
More importantly, UH-Hilo (30-16, 19-10) easily stayed clear of a loss to the struggling Silverswords that would have tarnished its West Regional resume.
The Vulcans were ranked eighth Wednesday in a regional poll that will determine which eight teams advance to the postseason.
“It was good news to be eighth,” Brun said, “but we just wanted to play our game.”
The first-year coach said ace Vanessa Salinas was nursing an arm injury, so Danielle Wilson handled both starts and almost worked two complete games but for the season debut of one-time ace Ashley Nelson, was has been working her way back from knee injury all season long.
Brun was hopeful Salinas would be available next Saturday against Hawaii Pacific.
Melanie Morelos combined for five RBIs on the day against Chaminade (10-26, 9-21), while Vickers had five RBIs in the second game alone, including a grand slam in the third from the No. 9 spot in the order. It was her second home run of the season
“She’s found a little power,” Brun said.
Colleen Aubrey and Emily Greene joined Vickers and Morelos with multihit games in the second contest.
Wilson improved to 13-8. She struck out two over seven innings in the first game and worked around eight hits. Brittany Huff and Greene had two hits apiece.
Nelson, a senior left-hander, pitched two-thirds of the five-inning TKO, getting the final out of the day on a strikeout.
