April 5, 2013
Rainbow Wahine 16 – Highlanders 0
The softball team lost 16-0 in the first of a three game series against the University of Hawai’i. The Highlanders faced a challenge on the road as they crashed against the number 16 ranked team in the nation.
Hawai’i had the hot bats early and set the tone as they scored eight runs in the first inning on seven hits. Highlander pitcher Ashley Ercolano fouled out her first batter of the game then struggled produce outs afterward. Hawai’i’s Kayla Wartner got Hawai’i’s hitting going as she sent a home run over the wall.
In the second inning UCR got two singles, one from Ercolano to right field and the other from Brittanie Akey to center field, but both were left stranded. Hawai’i found their swing in the bottom of the third as they scored 5 runs to increase their lead 13-0. Hawai’i added 3 more runs in the fourth to make it a 16-0 game.
The Highlanders had runners in scoring position in the second, third, fourth, and fifth innings but were unable to cash in. UCR finished the game with five hits and two errors.
April 6, 2013
Rainbow Wahine 12 – Highlanders 2
In game one of the doubleheader with Hawai’i, the UC Riverside softball team lost 12-2, allowing all 12 runs in the first inning. The Highlanders fell victim to Wahine’s offense power as Hawai’i hit four home runs in the first inning and produced eight hits.
UCR went through three pitchers in just the first inning. Sophie Slagle gave up 4 runs and Alyssa Razo allowed 8. Taylor Alvarez came in to finish the inning, giving up three total hits as she held Hawai’i scoreless for the rest of the game. The Highlanders scored two 2 in the third inning but that was all they could get across the board.
Highlander Ariel Shore hit a single to drive Nicolette Lujan home. Then Kayla White swung for a single to drive home Dionne Anderson. The Highlanders would be shut out the rest of the game. The Highlanders finished the game with four hits and one error for the game.
April 6, 2013
Rainbow Wahine 8 – Highlanders 1
Game two of the doubleheader and the final game of the series at Hawai’i ended with an 8-1 loss for the Highlanders. Another quick start propelled the 16 ranked Hawai’i with 3 runs to start the first inning.
In the third inning, UCR gave up 4 runs to give Hawai’i a 7-0 edge. Highlander Kayla White hit a solo home run to left center in the fourth inning for UCR’s lone run of the game. Hawai’i answered back in the fifth with their own solo shot to make it an 8-1 game. Both squads did not manage to drive in runs in the final two innings.
The Highlanders, after being swept by Hawai’i, now have a 15-24 overall record and an 0-9 record in Big West play. Hawai’i dominated the entire game with 14 hits to produce their 8 runs. UCR’s Ashley Ercolano pitched six innings and gave up 12 hits and 6 runs.
UCR returns Saturday April 13 against San Diego State from the Mountain West Conference for a non-conference game at Amy S. Harrison field. The Highlanders have a 10 game home stand for the rest of April. The 10 straight games at home could be crucial for the Highlanders to turn their season around and qualify for postseason play.
