Box Score

LAS VEGAS - The Rainbow Wahine lost their first game of the UNLV Louisville-Slugger Desert Classic, 3-2 to Cal State Fullerton at the Stephanie Lynn Craig Softball Complex. Sophomore pitcher Justine Smethurst (2-2) threw 5.2 innings in the loss, giving up three runs on six hits with six strike outs.

The Titans jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, Martinez hit a triple down the rightfield line. The relay throw sailed over the UH third baseman Clare Warwick, allowing Martinez to scoot home for the game's first run.

In the bottom of the third, UH first baseman, Kate Robinson drew a lead-off walk. She moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Audrey Andrade. After an attempted bunt was popped to the pitcher, Valana Manuma hit a hard ground ball in the hole between short and third. It ricocheted off the shortstop and Robinson seemed to cross home easily for the tying run. But, she missed the plate, Fullerton appealed and the run did not count and the third out was recorded.

The Rainbow Wahine had another opportunity to score in the bottom of the fifth. Clare Warwick led the inning off with a single down the leftfield line. Robinson was then hit by a pitch with two strikes to put runners on at first and second. But Fullerton pitcher Jessica Doucette then settled down, striking out the next two and then got Manuma to fly out to left.

Fullerton then posted a pair of runs in the top of the sixth. Smethurst got the first batter to strike out swinging. Then Lupenetti hit a double to the right-center gap. Kiki Munoz then hit a fly ball that drifted over the centerfield fence for a two-run home run that extended their lead to 3-0.

The Rainbow Wahine tried to rally back in the bottom of the seventh. Brandi Peiler had a lead off single to left. Two fielder's choices from second to short later, left pinch-hitter Amanda Tauali`i at first base. Pinch-hitter Richie-Anne Titcomb then came through, hitting an 0-2 pitch over the leftfield fence to tighten the score to 3-2. It was Titcomb's first career home run. Doucette then walked pinch hitter Kanani Warren, but then got Manuma to ground out to short.

Hawaii will now face Colorado State tonight at 6:00 pm at SLC Field #4.

-UH-