HONOLULU, Hawaii – It was a close encounter on Wednesday but Vanguard softball was unable to secure a sweep of Hawaii Pacific.  The Sharks grabbed a 2-1 win thanks to solid pitching from Taylor Thompson and a good defensive effort behind her.  The Lions had chances but could not convert, dropping to 14-27 overall and 9-16 in the Pacific West Conference.  HPU improved to 15-30, 9-18.
 
What Happened?  Lilyana Roth got the first hit of the game in the first but the scoring would begin in the bottom half, as a back-to-back walks got the table set for the Sharks.  Vanessa Robles did her best to check the advance, but a single put the hosts ahead 1-0.  In the third inning, Hawaii Pacific extended their lead beginning with a leadoff single that was eventually scored on another single, putting the score at 2–0.
 
Vanguard responded in the fifth inning, with a one-out single by Aeri Corral getting the rally started.  She was cashed in by Megan Ireland, who clobbered her second double of the day to narrow the gap to 2–1. Despite a strong defensive stand by the Lions in the middle innings, including a double play in the fifth, Hawai'i Pacific maintained their lead. VU got a runner into scoring position in four of the seven frames but could not find an equalizer or a go-ahead tally.
 
The Sharks scored two runs on six hits and left five runners on base, while VU scored one run on seven hits with six runners left aboard.  Robles issued three walks and dropped to 1-4, while Thompson fanned seven VU hitters and improved to 10-11.  Both Ireland and Amarah Farley went 2-for-3 to pace the VU lineup.
 
What's next? Vanguard begins a three-game PacWest series against Chaminade on Friday, with the doubleheader beginning at 3:00 p.m. P.T.