GAME NOTES

HONOLULU—The University of Hawai`i softball team (22-11) opens its Western Athletic Conference season against San Jose State (22-9) in a three game series this week at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.

 

The 'Bows closed their non-conference season posting a 4-2 record in last week's Chevron Spring Fling Tournament. Hawai`i defeated Lipscomb three times and No. 13/12 California once. Reigning WAC Hitter of the Week, freshman centerfielder Kelly Majam, hit a double and five home runs and led UH with six runs, and six RBI in the tournament. Third baseman Melissa Gonzalez led the 'Bows with a .529 average (9-for-17) with a pair of doubles and three homers. On the mound, freshman Kaia Parnaby posted a 3-1 record with two complete game wins—including a 3-0 win with a career-high 12 strike outs over Cal.

 

Overall, the dynamic duo of Majam and Gonzalez are tied atop the 'Bows season statistics with an identical .394 batting average. Majam is 41-for-104 and continues to lead UH with 34 runs scored, 41 hits, two triples, 15 home runs, and 26 RBI. Gonzalez has been consistent at the plate going 39-for-99 and is second on the team with nine home runs. Junior designated player Jenna Rodriguez is third on the squad with a .319 (30-for-94) with seven doubles and four home runs.

 

Freshman Parnaby and sophomore Stephanie Ricketts have become a formidable one-two punch on the mound. Parnaby has a 12-5 record with six shut-outs and 12 complete games. She has fanned 120 batters to just 28 walks and has a 1.98 ERA, holding opponents to a .231 batting average in 95.2 innings pitched. Ricketts is 9-6 with 104.2 innings pitched and a 2.68 ERA. She has fired 12 complete games with two shut outs with 37 walks and 82 strike outs.

 

The Spartans come into the Islands with a league-best 22-8 record. Last week, SJSU went 2-3 at the Judy Garman Classic in Fullerton, Calif. One of their wins was a 5-4 win over No. 11 Oklahoma. As a team, the Spartans are hitting .321 with Kelli Fangonilo leading the offense with a .396 average (38-for-96). Fangonilo has scored 25 runs with nine doubles, two triples, and three home runs. Sarah Taylor is right on Fangonilo's heels, hitting .393 (35-for-89). Taylor has a team-high 12 doubles and is second with nine stolen bases. Brittany McConnell is the third SJSU player hitting over the .390 mark. McConnell is 32-for-82 at the plate with a .390 average and has provided power in the clutch with seven home runs and 35 RBI. On the mound, Amanda Pridmore is a perfect 10-0 with a 2.81 ERA in 79.1 innings pitched. She has walked 20 and struck out with 64. Jennifer Ames is 4-2 with a 4.34 ERA in 51.2 innings and Jaclyn Imhof has posted a 7-4 mark with a 4.94 ERA.

 

What: Hawai'i (22-11, 0-0 WAC) vs. San Jose State (22-8, 0-0 WAC)

When: Friday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 27 (DH) at 4:00 p.m.

Where: Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium (1,200) - Honolulu, HI

Television: Live statewide on KFVE-TV (Ch. 5 - The Home Team) with Jim Leahey (play-by-play) and Lori Santi (color). Rebroadcast 10:30 p.m. that night.

Streaming Video: Live video streaming is available on uhstreaming.oceanic.com.

Radio: ESPN 1420 AM will carry the series' final game live with Chris Hart (play-by-play) and Kenny Harrison (color)..

Audio Webcast: Live audio streaming on espn1420am.com

Live Stats: Live in-game stats are available at HawaiiAthletics.com

Ticket Information: Admission is FREE to all UH softball games. Parking $5.

Coaches: Bob Coolen (UH: 689-423-1/Overall: 761-516-1) is in his 19th year at UH. Pete Turner is in his fourth year at SJSU (90-108).

Series Information: Hawai`i and San Jose State have battled each other 87 times, with UH winning 61 games and SJSU taking 26. The 'Bows captured last year's series 2-1 and has won the last two games.