HONOLULU—The University of Hawai'i softball team started the 2021 season with a bang by handing Chaminade University two shutout losses in doubleheader exhibition action on Saturday afternoon.
 
The 'Bows and Silverswords will complete their doubleheader series on Sunday, with the first game scheduled for 12:00 p.m. HT, followed by game two at 2 p.m. HT.
 
Game 1
 
The senior combo of third baseman Angelique "Cheeks" Ramos and left fielder Bree Soma, combined with freshman second baseman Rachel Sabourin led the offensive onslaught as UH plated 14 runs over five innings for the 14-0 victory.  
 
Ramos went 2-for-2 and recorded a walk while driving in two runs from the top third of the lineup. While Soma mirrored her in the bottom third at the No. 9 spot, going 2-for-2 as well and driving in two.
 
But, it was Sabourin with the mighty swing of the day. In an eight-run inning, Sabourin connected for a no-doubt grand slam over the left-field wall. She wrapped up game one by going 1-for-2 with four runs batted in.
 
Freshman pitcher Jetta Nannen was nearly spotless, pitching four and one-third innings. The Longmont, Colorado native only allowed two hits to the Silverswords, along with one walk, and struck out five.
 
Game 2 
 
The 'Bows lineup kept their foot on the pedal in game two as the long ball played a role again, this time from one of their top power threats for a 4-0 win.
 
In 2020 junior shortstop Nawai Kaupe was tied for the team lead in home runs at seven with slugger Callie Heen, and 2021 may be starting where last season was cut short. In the bottom of the fourth, after UH added a run off a Ramos single up the middle scoring junior center fielder Brittnee Rossi from second for a 2-0 lead, Kaupe struck. The Wailuku, Maui product did her best to send the ball to her native island, crushing a two-run homer to left field, extending the lead to 4-0.
 
Junior Ashley Murphy pitched five scoreless innings, striking out three in the process. The Silverswords were only able to collect three hits and one walk from one of the top returning pitchers for the 'Bows.
 
In the top of the six, both teams agreed to call the game after an unexpected rainstorm brought in heavy rains.