The University of Hawai’i Rainbow Wahine softball team completed a doubleheader and three-game series sweep of UC San Diego on April 18. The Rainbow Wahine overcame an early deficit to win the first game 10-5, then shut out the Tritons 1-0 in the second game at Triton Softball Field.
This sweep marks the third time this season that Hawai’i has swept a Big West Conference opponent, having previously done so against CSUN and Cal State Bakersfield. The team has now won five out of seven conference series and secured victories against every Big West opponent faced this year.
In the opening game, Hawai’i trailed by four runs after a three-run home run from Maalia Cherry and an RBI triple by Hayley Garcia put UC San Diego ahead. However, key hits from Milan Ah Yat, Kayara Tuiloma, Teiah Keliiholokai, Bailey Nagasako, and Larissa Goshi helped UH rally with four runs in the fifth inning to take a lead they would not relinquish. Tuiloma added a three-run home run in the sixth inning and Jamie McGaughey hit a two-run homer in the seventh to secure victory. Pitcher Hannah Pitts earned her tenth win of the season with a complete-game effort.
The second game was decided by Ah Yat’s solo home run in the second inning. Starting pitcher Taryn Irimata delivered her fourth consecutive complete-game performance for Hawai’i, allowing five hits while striking out nine batters—a career high—without surrendering any runs. Despite allowing only one run on five hits herself, UCSD’s Callie Howard took the loss.
With these wins, Hawai’i remains among conference leaders as they prepare for their final home series against Cal Poly starting April 24. Senior Day will be held during this series to honor seven graduating players: Ellyanna Cinzori, Millie Fidge, Maycen Gibbs, Larissa Goshi, Carys Murakami, Hannah Pitts, and Cierra Yamamoto.
