Hawai’i Softball Triumphs Over Cal Baptist with a 2-1 Victory: Game Highlights and Insights

RIVERSIDE, Calif.—The University of Hawai’i softball team secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cal Baptist on Wednesday at John C. Funk Softball Stadium. Senior pitcher Addison Kostrencich earned the win, bringing her record to 4-2, while Macy Brandl picked up her first save this season.

Kostrencich delivered a solid performance, pitching over six innings and allowing just one run on five hits. She also recorded two strikeouts, lowering her season ERA to 2.24. Brandl stepped in during a tense seventh inning and managed to close out the game without allowing any further runs after a runner reached base.

Hawai’i took an early lead, scoring both runs in the fourth inning. Maycen Gibbs, who was making her season debut, got things rolling with a single. After advancing to second on a wild pitch, Liliana Thomas drove her in with a double to the right-centerfield gap. Later, Jamie McGaughey added another run with an RBI single, bringing Thomas home and putting the ‘Bows up 2-0.

T4-Thomas’ RBI-double drives in Gibbs from second for game’s first run.
UH leads, 1-0 pic.twitter.com/62OfVUkGD2

— Hawaii Softball (@HawaiiSB) February 20, 2025

Cal Baptist made a push in the seventh inning when Kelena Burns hit a solo home run, cutting the deficit to 2-1. The Lancers followed with a single, but Brandl quickly took control. She retired the next three batters to seal the win, including a stunning diving catch by Gibbs to end the game.

#HawaiiSB WINS!
UH holds off Cal Baptist, 2-1 in their first ever meeting.
Gibbs’ second diving catch of the game seals the win!
WP: Kostrencich
Save: Brandl
LP: Hollingsworth pic.twitter.com/jdRY60SGm2

— Hawaii Softball (@HawaiiSB) February 20, 2025

Cal Baptist’s Annika Hollingsworth took the loss, pitching six innings with two runs allowed and striking out seven batters. The reliever Morgan McConnel closed out the game without giving up any runs.

This win improved Hawai’i’s record to 9-2, marking their best start since 2019. Interestingly, this was the first meeting between Hawai’i and Cal Baptist, as last year’s matchup was rained out.

Next, the Rainbow Wahine will head west for the 2025 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Cathedral City, California. They are set to face teams like BYU, Nevada, and San Diego State.