Box Score

LAS VEGAS - Justine Smethurst threw a complete game victory over Cal State Northridge (2-7-1). She gave up two runs on five hits with two walks and seven strike outs. Smethurst (3-2) also got her first career hit, which was a home run in the top of the sixth. Kaulana Gould followed by hittin a grand slam in the same inning. Hawai`i is now 8-2 overall and 3-1 in the Louisville-Slugger Desert Classic in Las Vegas, Nev.

UH posted two runs in the top of the third on two outs. Clare Warwick started the rally with a double to right-center. Kaulana Gould followed with a single to right, putting runners at the corners. Gould stole second to put both runners into scoring position for Tyleen Tausaga. Tausaga was walked to load the bases. Kate Robinson then drew a walk to force Warwick home. Brandi Peiler then hit a hard ground ball to short that was misfielded, allowing Gould to come home to put UH up 2-0.

The Matadors came charging back in the bottom of the fourth. Amanda Peek led the inning off with a home run that was hit high over the left field fence. After a line drive that was caught by Warwick at third, Jaclyn Rymer hit a bloop single to right. She moved to second on a ground ball to Warwick who got the out at one. But the next batter, Jackie Duree hit another bloop single to center, allowing Rymer to score from second, to knot the score at 2-2.

UH took the game over in the top of the sixth. With two outs, the Rainbow Wahine mounted a rally of their own. Smethurst hit for herself and promptly got her first career hit, a home run just over the rightfield fence. Alana Power then hit a sharp single to left. Titcomb and Warwick followed with infield singles to load the bases for Gould. Gould battled at the plate, getting to a full count, before she drilled a shot over the rightfield fence for a grand slam home run. It was Gould's first home run of the season and first career grand slam. That extended Hawai`i's lead to 7-2.

Hawai`i will now play the Utah Utes in their fifth game of the tournament.

-UH-