ISLE FILE
Blanning hurls one-hitter to help 'Bows split

Advertiser Staff

Freshman Paula Blanning pitched a one-hitter as the University of Hawai'i beat Centenary, 8-0, yesterday in the second game of a non-conference softball doubleheader at Shreveport, La.

Centenary won the opener, 4-3.

Katie Meinen's two-out double in the fifth was the lone hit for the Ladies (20-35) against Blanning (2-1), who struck out four in a game shortened to six innings because of the eight-run differential mercy rule. Blanning faced the minimum 18 batters because Meinen was caught stealing.

Marie Jackson hit a grand slam in UH's five-run sixth inning.

In the opener, April Crowell hit a two-run home run and Stacey Porter added a solo homer against Centenary starter Cheyenne Daires (10-15), who pitched six innings. UH starter Shannon Tabion (5-8) gave up four runs on four hits and four walks with five strikeouts.

The Rainbows (33-18) close the regular season with doubleheaders tomorrow and Saturday at Louisiana Tech. Hawai'i has a two-game lead on Fresno State in the Western Athletic Conference.