HONOLULU, Hawai'i – Cal Poly Humboldt split the day against Hawai'i Pacific, falling 11-10 in a nine-inning thriller before bouncing back with a 6-3 win in a shortened game two. In the opener, the Jacks built an early six-run lead, but the Sharks rallied late to secure a walk-off victory. Humboldt responded in the second game, jumping out to an early lead behind key hits from Vanessa Saltos and Shelby Shanks before the game was called after five innings due to darkness. The Jacks improved to 3-1 overall.

Game 1 - Cal Poly Humboldt 10, Hawai'i Pacific 11 (9 Innings)
Humboldt Falls in Back-and-Forth Battle Against Hawai'i Pacific, 11-10

In a high-scoring thriller at Sand Island Recreation Center, Cal Poly Humboldt (2-1) came up just short against Hawai'i Pacific (5-3), falling 11-10 in a game that saw multiple lead changes and late-inning drama.

Humboldt's offense came alive in the third inning, erupting for six runs to take an early 6-0 lead. Alyssa Smokey doubled to center field to bring in two runs before Lauren Asia and Hailey Meisenbach each added RBI doubles of their own. The Jacks capitalized on key hitting opportunities and aggressive baserunning to establish their advantage.

Hawai'i Pacific responded immediately in the bottom half of the third, scoring four runs to cut the deficit to 6-4. They continued their rally in the fourth with a sacrifice fly to make it a one-run game.

Humboldt added insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings, with Marissa Brody and Asia each driving in runs to extend the lead to 8-5. However, Hawai'i Pacific countered once again, plating three runs in the sixth to tie the game at 8-8.

In the eighth, the Jacks reclaimed the lead with back-to-back RBI singles from Vanessa Saltos and Alyssa Ramirez, giving them a 10-8 advantage. But the Sharks answered with two runs of their own in the bottom half, setting the stage for a dramatic ninth inning.

With the game tied at 10-10, Hawai'i Pacific found the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth when Oshiro singled to center field, scoring Tanno for the walk-off win.

Offensive Leaders:

• Hailee Moore led the way with three runs scored, while Alyssa Smokey and Lauren Asia each collected two RBIs.
• Bella Garcia had a strong showing at the plate, going 3-for-6 with a stolen base.
• Humboldt racked up 15 hits as a team, with seven different players contributing to the offensive effort.

Pitching Notes:

• Gaige Garcia got the start for the Jacks, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits in two innings of work.
• Riley Shopp and Rayna Ponce provided relief before Alyssa Smokey took over in the late innings.
• Hawai'i Pacific's Molina earned the win, while Garcia took the loss.

Game 2 - Cal Poly Humboldt 6, Hawai'i Pacific 3 (5 Innings)
Humboldt Secures 6-3 Victory Over Hawai'i Pacific in Shortened Contest

Humboldt softball improved to 3-1 on the season with a 6-3 victory over Hawai'i Pacific on Thursday afternoon at Sand Island Recreation Area. The game was officially called after five innings due to darkness, with the Lumberjacks holding the lead for the majority of play.

Humboldt jumped out to an early lead in the first inning, as Vanessa Saltos delivered a two-run single to right field, scoring Alyssa Smokey and Shelby Shanks. Hawai'i Pacific answered with a sacrifice fly in the bottom half of the inning, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

The Lumberjacks extended their lead in the second inning. Hailee Moore drove in a run on a sacrifice fly, followed by Shanks, who singled in another to give Humboldt a 4-1 advantage. Hawai'i Pacific attempted to rally in the third, scoring on a groundout, but Humboldt responded with another sacrifice fly from Shanks in the fourth.

The Jacks added an insurance run in the fifth when Alyssa Ramirez advanced to second on a wild pitch, allowing Saltos to cross home plate. The Sharks managed to score in the bottom of the frame, but Mason Hatton closed out the game to preserve the win.

Alyssa Smokey earned the win for the Jacks, while Ariana Bottel pitched 3.2 solid innings, allowing just one run on three hits. Hatton finished the game, striking out one in 1.1 innings of work.

At the plate, Humboldt racked up ten hits, led by Saltos and Shanks, who each recorded two hits and two RBIs. Julia Rivera and Ashley Garcia also contributed doubles in the victory.

Up Next

Humboldt will continue its road trip in Hawai'i with a doubleheader matchup against Chaminade on Friday.

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