Hilo, Hawai’i – The Hawai’i Hilo Vulcans split a Pacific West Conference doubleheader against Jessup University Friday afternoon at the Vulcan Softball Field, losing the first game 11-2 before rebounding for a 4-1 victory in the second.
Jessup jumped out to an early lead in the opener, scoring five runs in the first two innings and ultimately totaling 16 hits – a season high for the Warriors. Ke’alohi Markham batted 2 for 2 and scored the Vulcans’ first run in the bottom of the third. Breli Agbayani-Shibao and Mia Joaquin each recorded their first hits of the season, driving in the Vulcans’ two runs.
The Vulcans responded strongly in the second game, plating four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Mariah Antoque drove in two runs with a single, and Ava Monturio and Joaquin followed with RBI hits of their own.
Redshirt-sophomore Janessa Santos pitched a complete game for Hawai’i Hilo, allowing just one unearned run on five hits although striking out three. Santos induced 12 fly outs and four ground outs, stranding six Jessup runners on base. Joaquin, who started at second base, moved to third in the top of the second inning and finished with four putouts and one assist.
With the split, Hawai’i Hilo’s overall record stands at 5-6, and their PacWest Conference record is 2-2. Jessup is now 5-10 overall and 2-4 in conference play.
Hawai’i Hilo was ranked No. 6 in the Pacific West Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. The four-team 2026 PacWest Championships postseason tournament will be hosted by Biola University in La Mirada, California, from May 5-7.
The Vulcans will continue their homestand Saturday, February 28, with another doubleheader against Jessup, scheduled for 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM at the Vulcan Softball Field. They will then host Dominican University for two doubleheaders on Wednesday, March 4, and Thursday, March 5, both starting at noon.
Video livestreaming of all home events is available through the PacWest Network, powered by Hudl TV. Single-game passes for softball are $10, doubleheader day passes are $17.50, and a season package for 18 games is priced at $135.
