UH-Hilo softball coach Callen Perreira got a chance to lose on both ends of the spectrum Saturday.
UH-Hilo softball coach Callen Perreira got a chance to lose on both ends of the spectrum Saturday.
The Vulcans to Azusa Pacific in a blowout, 10-1, and then in a heart breaker, 1-0, at their softball field.
All things considered, Perreira said the tight loss was more frustrating, though either way UH-Hilo (7-5, 1-5 Pacific West Conference) has a five-game losing streak.
“We just couldn’t get anything going offensively,” Perreira said.
That was especially unfortunate in the second game as the Vulcans wasted another fine effort by Cyanne Fernandez (0-2), who scattered four hits, didn’t walk a batter and struck out five in a complete game. Fernandez also lost a 13-inning marathon to Concordia last Sunday, despite not giving up an earned run in seven innings of work.
Her only mistake came in the sixth, when Erinn Jaramillo lifted a solo home run over the center field fence.
Kat Ung tossed a two-hitter for the Cougars (17-9, 10-2), striking out three and walking two.
“Their pitchers did a real nice job,” Perreira said.
In the opener, Carly Xepoleas threw a four-hitter for Azusa Pacific, with Toshonnie Baker’s two-run single in the seventh breaking up the shutout. Earlier, Jordan Millwood worked a walk and Maria Steadmon slapped a base hit to set the table.
The Vulcans made four errors, leading to six unearned runs charged to Danielle Wilson (4-2), who allowed 12 hits and a walk with three strikeouts.
The Vulcans will have little time to rest, taking on No. 12 Dixie State on Sunday. The doubleheader will start at noon.
“We just need a hit or a good game,” Perreira said. “I told them they have to keep their heads up and play with pride.”