Harry Chang
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Sophomore righthander Sierra Hyland became just the second pitcher in Cal Poly softball program history to record a second successive 200-strikeout season, but the Mustangs lost a 3-2 decision to visitors Hawaii on Friday afternoon at Bob Janssen Field.
The Mustangs (21-23, 4-6 Big West Conference) fell behind early after Hyland hit Hawaii’s leadoff hitter, right fielder Keiki Carlos, with the first pitch of the game and then watched her come home to score two batters later thanks to an RBI double from Hawaii designated player Leisha Li’ili’I.
Li’ili’I, who got to third on a stolen base, came home to score when Cal Poly freshman catcher Susanne Morris made an error on her throw over to freshman third baseman Stephanie Heyward to give Hawaii (25-18, 6-4) an early 2-0 lead.
In the fourth inning, the Rainbow Wahine earned their third run of the game when second baseman Dori Ann Sugai singled off of Hyland to score Sarah McAndrew.
In the fifth inning, the Mustangs finally got their first baserunner of the game when freshman shortstop Chelsea Convissar singled off of Hawaii’s starter, right-hander Brittany Hitchcock. Convissar was left stranded in the inning, however, as the Mustangs failed to get on the scoreboard until the sixth inning when Convissar tripled to bring home senior left fielder Emily Ceccacci, who had tripled just an at-bat before.
Sophomore first baseman Courtney Tyler then got the Mustangs to within one when she singled to bring home Convissar and force Hawaii to bring in reliever Kanani Aina Cabrales. Hitchcock finished with two earned runs allowed on five hits with no walks and no strikeouts
In the bottom of the seventh, Mustangs junior designated player Betsy Colburn singled to start a rally, but the Mustangs were unable to get her home as Cal Poly dropped the series opener and Cabrales recorded the save.
Hyland, who was charged with the loss and is now 15-16 on the season, finished with two earned runs off of five hits while recording four strikeouts and two walks.
The Mustangs and Rainbow Wahine complete their three-game series with a doubleheader on Saturday.