The University of Hawai’i softball team is set to host the OUTRIGGER Classic from February 26 to 28, 2026, at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium in Honolulu. The tournament will feature Mercyhurst and Portland State alongside the Rainbow Wahine.
The schedule includes multiple matchups over three days, beginning with Mercyhurst facing Portland State on Thursday afternoon. On Friday, Hawai’i will play both Mercyhurst and Portland State. Saturday’s games include another round between all three teams.
Admission to the tournament is free for all attendees. Fans can participate in “Ballpark Bingo” for a chance to win prizes during the event. Live statistics will be available through HawaiiAthletics.com.
Hawai’i enters the tournament with a 5-9 record under first-year head coach Panita Thanatharn. The team recently concluded a challenging road trip, which included losses at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic against teams such as BYU, Duke, Nebraska, Oregon State, and Saint Mary’s (CA). They also played an exhibition game against Team Japan.
First baseman Jamie McGaughey improved her performance last week by raising her batting average from .150 to .285 and hitting her first collegiate grand slam during a loss to Duke. Sophomore catcher/designated player Kolbi Kochi leads the team with a .318 batting average and has started seven games this season.
Pitching has been an area of concern for Hawai’i after their staff ERA increased from 2.95 to 4.55 following recent tournaments. Sophomore transfer Taryn Irimata leads UH pitchers with a 3.57 ERA over 31.1 innings pitched.
More than half of the Rainbow Wahine roster consists of players from Hawai’i, including ten from O’ahu, two from Maui, and one from Kaua’i.
Freshman Bailey Nagasako made an impact last week by recording hits in key appearances and starting behind the plate against ranked opponents.
Portland State comes into the tournament with a 3-7 record under head coach Meadow McWhorter. Hawai’i has won its last four meetings against Portland State, including two victories during their previous encounter in Honolulu in March 2024.
Mercyhurst is led by Leanne Baker and holds an 0-4 record so far this season; this will be their first meeting with Hawai’i.
Coach Panita Thanatharn said: “Great Prizes will be awarded for the winners of the popular ‘Ballpark Bingo.'”
Fans can follow updates on social media via @HawaiiSB or @HawaiiSoftball on Facebook.
