HONOLULU - Senior third baseman April Crowell hit a grand slam and junior pitcher Melissa Coogan went four strong innings as head coach Bob Coolen celebrated his 46th birthday today as the University of Hawai`i knocked off the Alumnae, 4-2, in front of 110 at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.

In the bottom of the third loaded the bases on consecutive singles by Justina Kahaku, Tracie Uchima, and Noelle Izumi before Crowell added the heroics on a blast to center off teammate Shannon Tabion, who moved over to the Alumnae roster for the exhibition game. Both Tabion and Paula Blanning threw for the Alumnae.

The Alumnae answered in the fifth off UH reliever Rachel Gossett. Aiko Okamura drew a walk, moved to second on a ground out, and then on to third on Dawn Hirayama's single through the right side. Tyree Woodruff singled to left scoring Okamura and moving Hirayama to second. A walk to Joyce Antonio loaded the bases before Natalie Gonzales singled to right to cap the scoring.

Newcomer Jessica Morton struckout four in the final two innings to notch the save.

The Rainbow Wahine officially open the 2004 campaign hosting Brigham Young Feb. 4 at RWSS in the opening game of the 8th Paradise Classic.