The loudest sound at the University of Hawaii at Hilo softball team’s practice on Wednesday was not the crack – or ping – of the bat nor was it coach Peejay Brun yelling instructions. It was a falling tree, a mangled left-field fence and a reminder of what the Vulcans have been through this season.
“There was this big crack and a tree slow-motioned and fell toward the field and crushed the fence,” senior outfielder Colleen Aubrey said. “Of course, there would be another thing that we would have to overcome.”
Brun joked that the tree had been blocking the view of the apartment beyond the campus field and that students living there would now get to see UH-Hilo make its final push to reach the postseason – despite some glitches along the way.
The team bus broke down earlier this season in California and UH-Hilo had to scatter to the game via taxis, and a handful of players were trapped in an elevator on Oahu, causing a recent postponement.
Yet here the Vulcans are, ready to take on Hawaii Pacific in a 1 p.m. doubleheader Saturday that holds equal parts playoff significance and sentimental value.
“I think it’s been about coach Brun creating a positive and fun environment,” Aubrey said Thursday.
Despite being ranked No. 8 again in the West Regional poll, the Vulcans (36-10, 19-10 Pacific West Conference) know they don’t control their own destiny.
If, for example, No. 10 Western Washington of the Great North Athletic Conference or an unranked team from the California Collegiate Athletic Association were to win their conference tournament, it could spell trouble even if UH-Hilo finishes its regular season with two victories.
“That’s going to throw a wrench of whether or not they want to put us in,” Brun said. ‘We’ve just got to take care of business.”
The Vulcans have been able to do that more times then not in Brun’s first year thanks in large part to their seniors – Aubrey, Vanessa Salinas, Emily Greene, Melanie Morelos, Shelby Vickers and Ashley Nelson. All have been large contributors on the field this season, save for Nelson, a onetime ace who has worked her way all the way back from a serious knee injury.
“I love this group,” Brun said. “Not just for what they’ve accomplished but their attitude and leadership. It’s rare that you have six seniors and six of them be on the same page and wanting to raise the program.”
Brun knew she was inheriting a potential ace in Salinas, and the right-hander quickly alleviated any concerns Brun might have had about her taking off the 2014 season. Salinas is fourth in the PacWest with a 2.06 ERA, and is 17-8, walking only 20 batters in 173 2/3 innings.
The bigger surprise to Brun was Aubrey, who’s flourished during her senior season. From the leadoff spot, Aubrey is second in the PacWest in average (.437) and fourth in runs (44).
“It’s been so much fun watching her,” Brun said. “She’s mentally tough. Even when you watch her she has this look in her face. Sometimes I’m like, ‘What’s going on in that head of yours.”’
Greene (.372 average) had been a four-year contributor for the Vulcans, moving from third base to first, and leads the team with six home runs and 34 RBIs, while Morelos has solidified the cleanup spot, batting .330 with four home runs and 32 RBIs. Vickers is batting .272 and provided pop from the bottom of the lineup at third base with two home runs.
“This senior class has opened their arms to me and the rest of the team followed their lead,” Brun said.
Will the voyage end with a second trip to the West Regionals in three seasons?
The Vulcans and Sharks (24-20, 14-14) split a doubleheader two weeks ago.
“If we stress ourselves out we’ll get beat,” Brun said. “If we stay relaxed, I think we’re the best Division II team in the state.”
“It’s just a matter of us playing our game.”
That and watching for falling trees.