Rainbow Wahine softball team wins, loses

Advertiser Staff

Sheri Oronoz pitched a three-hitter as Hawai'i beat California-Riverside, 2-1, yesterday to split a collegiate softball doubleheader at UCR Softball Complex in Riverside, Calif.

In the second game, the Highlanders (1-1) scored twice in the bottom of the seventh on Suzanne Dallas' two-out, two-run single in a 4-3 win over the Rainbow Wahine (1-3).

Oronoz (1-1) allowed an unearned run and two walks with one strikeout in her complete-game outing.

"Sheri's stepping it up," UH coach Bob Coolen said. "She's pitching well right now."

Oronoz and Riverside starter Monique Baeza (0-1) engaged in a scoreless duel through six innings. But the Rainbows got to Baeza in the top of the seventh when Kate Judd singled to left and Stacey Porter slammed a two-run homer to center.

In the second game, it appeared the Rainbows were working on a sweep, taking a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the seventh. Starter Paula Blanning allowed a run in four innings before giving way to Melissa Coogan.

But the Highlanders had Coogan's number. A single, sacrifice and a dropped fly ball by right fielder Justina Kahaku put the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position.

One out later, Dallas singled to right to end the game.

Hawai'i's next stop is the San Diego State Invitational tomorrow and Saturday.