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RIVERSIDE, Calif.-The University of Hawai'i softball team (19-21, 3-4 Big West) came back after being two runs down going into the fifth inning to defeat UC Riverside on the road, 5-3 in eight innings. Brittany Hitchcock earned the complete game win while Keiki Carlos went 3-for-4 and tied her career high with three runs scored and Tayana Mata came through in the clutch, driving in the tying run in the sixth and the go-ahead run in the eighth on Friday afternoon at Amy S. Harrison Field.

The Highlanders got on the scoreboard first, posting a single run in the bottom of the first inning. UCR got the first two runners on with a walk and a single through the right-side of the infield. UH's Nicole Lopez then turned a double play from third base which left the lead runner at third base. Jenna Curtain then hit a double to leftfield to drive in Haley Harris for the early 1-0 lead.

Hawai'i tied the score at 1-1 in the top of the fourth. Keiki Carlos drilled a one-out double to centerfield. Carlos moved to third on a groundout to shortstop, and scored on the play on a throwing error on the first baseman.

The Highlanders answered right back, posting two runs in the bottom of the fourth to retake the lead at 3-1. The first two batters-Curtan and Chelsey Holley reached on errors and both moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Stephanie Tickemeyer. Courtnie Ploesch then singled to left to drive in Curtain and Alexis Lockwood doubled to right-center to drive in Ploesch.

The Rainbow Wahine got one run back in the fifth to cut their deficit to 3-2. After a strike out to start the frame, Rachael Turner ripped a double to leftfield. Pinch runner Dori Ann Sugai then advanced to third on a single up the middle by Ulu Matagiese to put UH runners at the corners. Jennifer Iseri then grounded out to the shortstop, but on the play Sugai crossed the plate for the 'Bows' second run.

Hawai'i tied the score at 3-3 in the top of the sixth. After a strike out to start the inning, Carlos reached first on an infield single to third. Heather Morales followed with a walk to put runners at first and second. After another strike out, pinch hitter Tayana Mata laced a single to left to drive in Carlos to knot the score.

UH tried to rally in the top of the seventh. After a fly out to left to start the inning, Iseri started things with a single to left. She moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Sarah Muzik and then hustled into third on a wild pitch. But the Highlanders' Tayler Misfeldt got a looking strikeout to squelch the rally and go to the bottom of the seventh with the score tied 3-3.

In the bottom of the seventh, Richard reached first on a bunt single with one out. She stole second and then raced to third on a flyout to right. But UH got a fly out to left to end the rally to head into extra innings.

Carlos got her third hit of the game to lead off the eighth inning. She moved to second on a comebacker to the pitcher and then scored on an RBI single by Mata. Mata went to second on the throw home and Rachael Turner followed with an RBI-single to drive in Mata for an insurance run and a 5-3 lead.

Hitchcock then went on to retire the Highlanders in order in the bottom of the eighth to earn the win. She improved her record to 9-10 overall and 3-2 in conference. Hitchcock allowed three runs on eight hits with a walk and four strike outs in her third 8.0 inning game of her career.

UCR's Tayler Misfeldt fell to 18-9 overall and 3-4 in the Big West. She gave up five runs on 10 hits with a walk and nine strike outs.

Hawai'i is now 3-1 in extra innings games this season.

The Rainbow Wahine and Highlanders will square off in a series-ending doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 pm