RUSTON, La. — When Sacramento State fell to Nevada, 15-5, yesterday in an elimination game of the Western Athletic Conference baseball tournament at JC Love Field at Pat Patterson Park, it not only ended the Hornets' season, it also was the final collegiate game for infielder Taylor Watanabe ('Aiea '03) and catcher Brett Tanigawa (Moanalua '03).

Watanabe went 0 for 4, batting leadoff and starting at second base yesterday. Tanigawa made the trip, but wasn't on the 25-player active roster.

While their playing days are over at Sacramento State, it doesn't mean they are leaving the area. Both graduated this spring. Tanigawa said he completed most of his degree in accounting by December and took extra courses to stay eligible to play his final season. Watanabe graduated with a degree in management information systems.

The Hornets (24-35) were the sixth seed in the six-team tournament and were the third team eliminated. Yesterday's loss ended after the top of the seventh because of the 10-run differential rule.

"It didn't end the way I planned for it to end, but overall, the experience here has been one of the best I've ever had and I'm glad I had the chance to play here at Sacramento State," Watanabe said after the game.

He finished the season batting .288, sharing time with Hunter Martinez at second base.

Watanabe said he will be applying for jobs in Sacramento with the intent of eventually moving back to Hawai'i.

Tanigawa batted .233 as a reserve catcher for the Hornets.

"It was good, it was fun," Tanigawa said of his Sacramento experience. "You couldn't ask for more. You learn a lot. In a way, you learn how to live by yourself, be independent."

Tanigawa was offered a job in November and will begin working at a Sacramento accounting firm July 21.

"So I have half of a summer break," he said.

Both players redshirted as freshmen and played four seasons with the Hornets.