Box Score

HONOLULU - The No. 17 University of Hawai`i softball team (21-9) opened the Bank of Hawaii Invitational tournament with a loss to Saint Mary's, 2-1. The Gaels' Megan Galloway earned the win, while UH's Courtney Baughman (10-6) took the loss.

SMC's Jenna Smith hit a solo home run in the bottom of the first to give SMC an early 1-0 lead.

But UH responded, scoring a run of its own in the next half inning. Senior shortstop Valana Manuma hit an RBI double to drive in pinch runner Kate Adams to knot the score at 1-1.

In the fifth, Bronwyn Russell drove in Chelsea Loftis with an RBI single to left to push Saint Mary's into the lead, 2-1.

It was the first time that the Gaels have defeated the 'Bows in 10 games. It also marked the first time since April 22, 2006 that UH has lost three games in a row.

Hawai`i's Baughman took the loss, giving up two runs on four hits with a walk and two strike outs. Jessica Morton closed the game, firing 1.2 scoreless innings, giving up two hits with two strike outs.

For SMC, Galloway got the complete game win, giving up one unearned run on four hits with two walks and seven strike outs.

Hawai`i will now play Colorado State in the final game of the first day of the tournament.