LAS VEGAS - The University of Hawai`i softball team split a pair of games today at the UNLV Softball Desert Classic at Craig Park.

In the opener, UH's Melissa Coogan (2-1) notched the win as she spaced six hits over 7 innings of work against No. 23 Oregon State. UH snapped a three-game losing streak, winning 2-1.

UH got all it needed in the top of the first inning scoring both runs on a Tracie Uchima double to drive home Hanna Butler.

UH gave Monica Hoffman (8-1) her first loss of the season.

In the final game of the day for Hawai`i, Utah edged the Rainbow Wahine, 4-3, scoring a pair of runs in the first and fifth innings off UH starter Shannon Tabion (1-3).

Tabion gave up only five hits and two earned runs in defeat walking four and striking out three.

The UH offense was limited by Ute hurler Jen Pursell (2-2), who gave up four total hits - two hits to Justina Kahaku and homers to both Stacey Porter (solo) and Kate Judd (2-run).

Saturday's games pits UH against No. 1 UCLA at 11:30 a.m. PST and Central Michigan in the nightcap at 7 p.m. PST.

The tournament concludes Sunday, Feb. 16, with UH battling California at 2 p.m.