March 13, 2002

Results

HONOLULU, HI - Hawai`i's April Crowell hit a 1-1 pitch down the left field line two score two runs and enable UH to come-from-behind to defeat Loyola Marymount in the first game of a Western Athletic Conference doubleheader, 3-2. UH then powered its way in the nightcap, 9-0, to complete the sweep of the Lions at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium on Tuesday.

Hawai`i jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second as Marie Jackson hit a one-out single to right, moved to second on a throwing error by LMU starting pitcher Jennifer Heliotes, and scored on Stacie Hirano's single to right center.

LMU bounced back with single runs in the third and fourth innings on RBI hits by Christy Cerecedes and Emily Foltz, respectively.

But in the seventh inning, Natalie Gonzales led off with a single to second, but was tagged out on Hirano's fielder's choice. Then Kate Judd doubled to right center, moving Hirano to third. LMU then walked Stacey Porter to load the bases and get to Crowell. She then sliced a double down the left field line to score both Hirano and Judd for the win.

UH's Sheri Oronoz (12-5) went all the way picking up her second WAC win, both coming against LMU. Jennifer Heliotes (7-6) took the loss for the Lions.

In the second game, UH pounded two LMU pitchers for nine runs on 10 hits in a shortened game called due to an eight-run rule after four and a half innings.

In the first, UH picked up two quick runs on Judd's two-run shot to left center, her fifth of the season. Then in the third, UH added four more, highlighted by Porter's three-run blast for her ninth of the season. That ties her for the single-season mark with two other former players.

In the fourth, UH capped the scoring with three more as Hirano came up with a two-run double to ignite UH.

UH's Melissa Coogan (7-5) went the distance while Sami Strinz (2-1) picked up her first loss of the season. The Rainbow Wahine improved to 20-12 on the season and 4-0 in WAC play, while LMU fell to 12-19 and 0-4.

The Lions will return to Los Angeles and will host Oklahoma on Monday for a single game at 2:00 p.m.