The University of Hawaii did its best to make sure all 10 of its seniors felt appreciated during a postgame ceremony at Les Murakami Stadium.
Before that, one certainly stuck out more than rest.
Right-hander Matt Cooper equaled a career high with 11 strikeouts Saturday night and the Rainbow Warriors finished the season on a winning note, beating UC Riverside 5-1 in Honolulu.
Reserve senior Tyler Young finished with a career-high three hits for UH (22-31, 6-18 Big West), driving in runs with singles in the third and seventh. Junior Kaeo Oliviado lifted his average to .310 with a pair of hits, notching an RBI and scoring twice.
Cooper (6-5) held the Highlanders in check through 7 2/3 innings, becoming the 14th Hawaii pitcher to record 100 strikeouts in a season. He allowed one run on seven hits and three walks. He lowered his ERA to 1.60.
Andrew Jones got an out in the eighth and Eric Gleese fanned two for his third save.
The Rainbow Warriors got on the board quickly in the first when Stephen Ventimilia walked to lead off and scored on senior Connor George’s double.
Senior Marc Flores also contributed two hits as UH finished in a tie for last place in the Big West with Cal State Northridge.
Young’s hit in the third chased starter Ben Doucette (3-6), who lasted only 2 2/3 innings for the Highlanders (26-28, 12-12).