The University of Hawai’i Rainbow Wahine softball team is set to play in two consecutive tournaments on the road, beginning with the CBU Classic in Riverside, California. The tournament will take place at John C. Funk Stadium on the Cal Baptist campus from February 14 to February 16. During the event, Hawai’i will face Utah State twice, Loyola Marymount once, and host Cal Baptist once.
Hawai’i enters the tournament with a 4-1 record under first-year head coach Panita Thanatharn. “The Rainbow Wahine under first year head coach Panita Thanatharn got off to a hot start, winning their first four games before falling in the Bank of Hawai’i Paradise Classic finale to Seattle U, 9-3 this past Saturday,” according to the team’s news release.
Sophomore transfer pitcher Taryn Irimata was recognized as Big West Pitcher of the Week after pitching two complete game wins. She achieved a 1.00 ERA over 14 innings and limited opponents to a .145 batting average. Irimata began her collegiate career at Nevada in 2024 but missed most of that season due to injury; her appearance for UH against Seattle U marked her return since 2023.
Junior shortstop Milan Ah Yat has been leading offensively for UH, starting all five games and posting a .385 batting average. Ah Yat also drove in two runs during the season opener against Seattle U, helping secure a narrow win.
Local talent continues to play a significant role for Hawai’i, with six players from Hawai’i starting in their second game against Pacific: Taryn Irimata (pitcher), Cierra Yamamoto (catcher), Carys Mirakami (second base), Milan Ah Yat (shortstop), Maya Ichimura (third base), and Rhea Furtado (right field).
Senior designated player Ellyanna Cinzori holds a .364 average with three runs scored so far this season. Senior relief pitcher Millie Fidge contributed five shutout innings for a win against Pacific. Senior transfer Hannah Pitts made her debut by throwing a complete game victory over North Dakota and also started against Seattle U.
Freshman Abby Sasaki is the only newcomer to break into the starting lineup during opening week, contributing defensively and offensively from left field.
The team continues its search for a replacement behind the plate following Izabella Martinez’s graduation. Three different catchers—Cierra Yamamoto, Keely Kai, and Kolbi Kochi—have seen action early this season.
Hawai’i’s upcoming schedule at the CBU Classic includes:
– Utah State on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 6:30 a.m.
– Utah State again on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 12:45 p.m.
– Loyola Marymount on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 3:00 p.m.
– Cal Baptist on Monday, Feb. 16 at 4:00 p.m., which will be streamed live on ESPN+.
