HONOLULU - The University of Hawai'i eliminated the College of Charleston today, 3-2, in extra-innings to stay alive in the 4th Kipa Aloha Malihini Tournament at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium. With the victory, UH advances to the 2 p.m. to take on the loser of the Long Beach State-Southern Illinois loser.

Hawai'i improves to 14-12 on the season and 5-2 in the tourney. College of Charleston falls to 12-7 and 2-5 in the tourney. The loss eliminates CofC because it was their second loss since going to the double elimination type format on Saturday.

CofC got its first run in the top of the seventh inning when the ninth batter Leshe' Russell hit a one-out solo home run down the left field line on the first pitch off Shannon Tabion (10-1). It was only the second run allowed by Tabion in 25 innings of work in the tourney, both solo homers.

UH would battle back in the bottom of the seventh off Cougar starting pitcher Rachael Stern (4-3) who had surrendered only an infield single out in front of the plate to Denise Dahlberg in the sixth inning. Kea Yamaguchi, getting the start at third base, hit a 2-2 pitch with one out deep over the left center field fence to tie the game. It was the senior from Castle High's first career home run.

CofC scored a team unearned run the eighth inning after placing pinch-runner Mallory Davis at second using the international tie-breaking rule. Davis was sacrificed to third by Amanda Cone and scored on Brittany Pohlen's single to left.

UH came back in the bottom of the inning scoring two times. UH placed Jennifer Hackett at second base who advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Uchima that CofC pitcher threw pulling the first baseman off the bag. Uchima then stole second, but the throw back to the circle went over the pitcher's head and Hackett tried to score but was thrown out at the plate. Uchima went to third on the play and scored on a passed ball to tie the game. Noelle Izumi then reached first on an infield single to first base and moved to second on Tyleen Tausaga's single to right. UH loaded the bases when Stacey Ritter was walked, and Izumi was forced home when Ashley Ruff drew a bases-loaded walk.

Hawaii hosts Southern Illinois one game on Tuesday, March 9, beginning at 5 p.m. at the RWSS.