Game Notes

HONOLULU—The University of Hawai'i softball team (25-18, 4-8 Big West) returns to Honolulu to host it's second to last home series against UC Santa Barbara (27-17, 7-5 Big West). The Rainbow Wahine are looking to rebound after getting swept at Cal State Fullerton last weekend. The two teams will face off in a single game on Friday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m. followed by a doubleheader on Saturday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. Saturday is also Military Appreciation Day and the team will be wearing special Under Armour camouflage jerseys with patches representing all branches of the military units based in Hawai'i. The U.S. Navy band will be playing prior to the game as well as the National Anthem with the color guard. The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by U.S. Army's Lieutenant Colonel Kate M. H. Conkey, who is a professor of Military Science at the UH Manoa Army ROTC unit.
 
The Rainbow Wahine played Cal State Fullerton tough in all three games. But in the last two, the 'Bows were unfortunately unable to close out the games and fell in walk-off fashion in both games of the doubleheader.
 
Junior centerfielder Danielle Garcielita led UH last week on offense, hitting a team-high .556 (5-for-9)  and had an on-base percentage of .636. But the leadoff hitter was stranded on base every time she reached safely. Overall the North Carolina transfer is hitting .316 with 22 runs scored four doubles and a triple. She leads UH with seven sacrifice bunts.
 
Sophomore third baseman Nicole Lopez continues to lead Hawai'i overall with a .343 batting average (47-for-137). She leads the Big West Conference with 12 home runs and is ranked fourth in the BWC with 10 doubles. Lopez also leads UH with 23 runs scored and is tied for the team lead with 29 RBI with Heather Morales.
 
Fellow sophomore second baseman Sarah Muzik is right behind Lopez hitting .338 overall (46-for-136) with 29 runs scored. Like Garcielita, she has four doubles and a triple to go with 14 RBI hitting out of the second slot in the line up. She leads the 'Bows with seven stolen bases.
 
In the pitching circle, junior starter Brittany Hitchcock remains steady as the anchor of the staff. Overall, she has a 16-9 record with a 1.86 ERA in 161.2 innings pitched. She has fired 22 complete games with eight shutouts while holding opponents to a .211 batting average. Hitchcock has walked just 22 while fanning 140.
 
Games 44-46
Who: Hawai'i (25-18, 4-8 Big West) vs. UC Santa Barbara (27-21, 7-5 Big West)
When: Friday, April 28, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. (doubleheader)
Where: Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium (1,200) – Honolulu, O'ahu
Promotions: Bud Light is the series sponsor and will provide great prize packs for the winners of the popular "Ballpark Bingo."  T-shirts will be thrown into the stands during the fourth inning of each game of the series.  The Rainbow Wahine will be having an autograph session with Free posters immediately following Friday's game. Saturday's contest is "Military Appreciation Day" at the Rainbow Wahine SoftballStadium. The team will be wearing special fatigue-type jerseys designed by Under Armour for the game. The U.S. Navy band will be on hand for pre-game festivities as well as the National Anthem in conjunction with a full color guard. The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Kate M. H. Conkey.
Television: OC Sports will broadcast Saturday's doubleheader with Scott Robbs handling the play-by-play and Lori Santi serving as the color analyst.
Live Video Streaming: Live video streaming will be available for Saturday's doubleheader. Go to the HawaiiAthletics.com softball schedule page for links.
Livestats: Live in-game stats are available at the HawaiiAthletics.com softball schedule page.