The formula for the University of Hawaii at Hilo softball team was simple. Ashley Nelson and Hannah Peterson delivered two of their better performances of the season. From there, Rebecca Lee did the rest.
Backed by Lee’s hefty bat, Nelson and Peterson pitched the Vulcans to a sweep — 6-1 and 7-2 — Tuesday against No. 19 UC San Diego in La Jolla, Calif.
Lee hit two home runs and finished with eight RBIs during the doubleheader for UH-Hilo (17-13), which put an emphatic end to a four-game losing streak after its pitchers were beat up at Dixie State.
Nelson (10-7) pitched to contact — the junior left-hander didn’t walk or strikeout a batter — in going the distance, scattering eight hits.
She allowed a run in the first inning, but the top of UH-Hilo’s order quickly responded.
Lee cranked a three-run home run in the top of the second, finishing 2 for 3 with four RBIs. Kristina Victa had a pair of hits and scored twice, and Emily Greene was 2 for 4 and drove in a run.
Peterson (6-5) allowed 10 hits in her complete game against the Tritons (18-6), striking out two and walking only one.
The sophomore right-hander was backed by a grand slam by Lee, who finished 2 for 2. Victa added two more hits and Kaylie Drew drove in two runs.