“We got to play the No. 1 team in the country and it was a good eye opener for my team,” said head coach Dan Powers. “Richelle fought them off and showed good poise today. We were one hit away from winning versus Hawaii. Mandie pitched well in relief and gave us a chance to win.”
The Redhawks return to action on Saturday, Feb. 15 vs. Utah (3:45 pm PT) and Portland State (6 pm PT).
Game 1: No. 1/2 Florida 8, Seattle U 1
The top-ranked Gators struck early and often as they scored an early run in the first inning on a Seattle U fielding error. They would add six more runs on big plays in the second inning on a 2RBI homer to center field by Aubree Munro, a 3RBI home run by Kelsey Stewart, and a Taylor Schwarz RBI single to center field.
The Redhawks were able to keep Florida scoreless in the third and fourth innings, stranding two runners on base, but could not generate their own offense on two straight three-and-outs.
Florida leading 7-0, Seattle U would get on the board in the top of the fifth on an RBI double by Sarah Petosa (Federal Way, Wash.) to drive in Jennifer Sweet (Bend, Ore.) after she pinch ran for Lisa Maulden (Maple Valley, Wash.), who reached on a walk.
Taylore Fuller would add a solo home run to left field for insurance in the bottom of the fifth as neither team scored in the sixth and seventh and Florida came away with the 8-1 win.
In the circle, Richelle Ashburn (Post Falls, Idaho) allowed all eight runs on nine hits in a five inning start and was handed the loss. Mandie Sugita (Rossmoor, Calif.) entered in relief, giving up one hit in one inning pitched. For Florida, Lauren Haeger pitched all seven innings, allowing just one run on two hits while walking two and striking out six.
Game 2: Hawaii 9, Seattle U 8
Hawaii’s Lindsey Willmon homered to center field to kick off the game, but the Redhawks answered back to take a 4-1 lead through the first inning. Bubba Morrow (Auburn, Wash.) drove in two with a single to left center while Morrow scored on a Maulden double to left field. Maulden would then score to close the inning.
Hawaii would tie up the game, 4-4, in the top of the second on hot hitting with a Kristina Akiona triple followed by three straight singles. Seattle U regained the lead, 6-4, in the bottom of the inning on a 2RBI home run by Maulden with two outs.
The Rainbow Wahine would again tie the score in the top of the third, 6-6, as Alyssa Villalpando and Sarina Jaramillo each scored runs. Seattle could not add to their total as Hawaii regained the lead once again in the top of the fourth, 9-6, but the Redhawks would cut the deficit to one, 9-8, in the bottom of the frame. Brianna Guerrero (Buena Park, Calif.) scored on a single to left field by Paige Bouska (Keizer, Ore.) before Morrow scored on a bases loaded walk.
The Redhawks had their best chance to tie the game or take the lead in the bottom of the fourth and sixth innings, but left the bases loaded at both chances as Hawaii came away with the 9-8 win.
Morrow led the Redhawks with three runs, as she and Maulden co-led the team with three hits apiece. Maulden also collected a team-high 3 RBIs.
In the circle, Lindsay Davis (Palo Cedro, Calif.) allowed the first four runs on six hits while striking out one. Alyssa Reuble (Lynnwood, Wash.) was handed the loss, allowing five runs on four hits in 1 2/3 relief innings pitched. Sugita entered for the final four innings to finish the game. For Hawaii, Loie Kesterson earned the win after Heather Morales started the game.