Senior Rebecca Lee had three hits, including a home run, and drove in four runs to lead the University of Hawaii at Hilo to a 7-4 win over Regis University in the Desert Stinger Invitational on Sunday.
The Vulcans finished the NCAA Division II softball tournament with a 4-1 record and improved to 5-4 on the season. They next play a four-game series at Cal Baptist University, Tuesday and Wednesday in Riverside, Calif.
“During the tournament, I thought we showed that we can bang with the best teams in the West Region,” UH-Hilo coach Jaime Wallin said. “We beat the teams we needed to beat, and we gave Humboldt State a tough game (a 12-11 loss). We also gained some confidence here, but it’s going to come down to our hitting and pitching. We’ve got to get better in those areas.”
Lee, a hard-hitting shortstop out of Mililani, Oahu, went 3-for-3 with a double and a homer while driving in four runs. She also scored twice.
Kristina Victa, Emily Greene and Melanie Morelos each added two hits for the Vulcans, who outhit Regis 13-8.
Rachel Illias, Bradey King and Carlie Sexton each had two hits to lead Regis, which finished 1-4 in the Desert Stinger.
Junior Ashley Nelson (1-0) earned the win in relief of starter Danielle Wilson. Nelson hurled 6 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and one run while striking five and walking two.
Reliever Britney Lee (0-1) took the loss. She pitched 4 1/3 innings and allowed seven hits and three runs.
The Vulcans play two doubleheaders at Cal Baptist.
“Cal Baptist is a big test for us,” Wallin said. “We’re opening PacWest play and we know they always have a good team. It’s also always tough to play at their park. We’re going to have to play well.”
Desert Stinger
At Las Vegas
Regis U. 310 000 0 — 4 8 1
UH-Hilo 310 012 x — 7 13 1