RIVERSIDE, Calif.—The University of Hawai'i softball team (20-21, 4-8 Big West) looks to get back on the winning track as they head back to California to take on UC Riverside in this week's Big West Conference series. The Rainbow Wahine and the Highlanders will square off in a single game at 12:00 pm HT on Friday, April 27 followed by a Saturday doubleheader on April 28 starting at 10:00 a.m. HT.
 
Hawai'i is looking to rebound after a three-game sweep by league-leader Cal State Fullerton last week. Junior third baseman Nicole Lopez moved up to No. 2 in the lineup and saw her average go up as well. Last week, she led UH with a .625 batting average going 5-for-8 at the plate with two runs scored. Leadoff hitter senior Danielle Garcielita hit .364 in the series (4-for-11) and rookie designate player Madison Veldman started two of the three games going 3-for-5 for a .400 average.
 
Overall, sophomore catcher/designated player Callee Heen continues to lead the team with a .345 batting average. She leads UH with 13 home runs and 31 RBI and a slugging % of .743.
 
Lopez is second overall, hitting a steady .331 with a team-high 43 hits in 130 at-bats. She also leads UH with 23 runs scored, five doubles, four stolen bases and she has struck out only seven times while starting all 41 games this year.
 
In the circle, senior Dana Thomsen continues to shoulder most of the workload for the 'Bows. She comes into this week with a 12-13 overall record in 28 appearances with 18 complete games and four shutouts. She's thrown 155.2 innings and has a 3.19 ERA with 46 walks to 117 strikeouts. Both of UH's freshman pitchers—Dominique Martinez and Emily Klee—have seen their innings increase with senior Brittany Hitchcock going down with a season-ending injury. Martinez is 1-3  and has started a game in the last three series. She has a 4.42 ERA in 31.2 innings pitched. Klee is 2-1 overall with a 6.07 ERA.
 
Games 42-44
Teams: Hawai'i (20-21, 4-8 Big West) at UC Riverside (27-19, 4-8 Big West)
When: Friday, April 27 at 12:00 pm; Saturday, April 28 (DH) at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Amy S. Harrison Softball Field (Riverside, Calif.)
Livestats: Live in-game stats will be available at gohighlanders.com