HILO, Hawaii -- Vanguard University began its first-ever road trip to Hawaii with a pair of ball games against the University of Hawaii Hilo at Vulcan Field, resulting in mixed outcomes for the Lions. In the first game, Vanguard rallied to secure a 5-4 victory, thanks to a decisive two-run ninth inning.  Though the energy from the win was high, UHH returned with a complete game no-hitter by Chloe Sales to win 3-0.  The Lions enter Saturday 12-25 overall and 7-14 in Pacific West Conference action, with UHH entering the third and final game at 20-19, 14-12.
 
 
What Happened?  Madison Rabe and Brianna Williams each gave up hits in the first inning but neither side would score over.  The Vulcans then got a runner to third base with two outs in the bottom of the fourth, but Williams got a ground out to retire the side.  With good defense, the Lions broke through offensively with two runs in the fifth inning when Kamryn Walker tripled to right center, driving in Megan Ireland for the first run. Lilyana Roth followed with a single, scoring Walker and giving Vanguard a 2–0 lead.
 
In the seventh inning, Vanguard added another run when Walker singled to right center and later scored on a single by Kaylee DeMaio, increasing the lead to 3–0. However, the Vulcans responded in the bottom of the seventh, scoring three runs to tie the game off a single and a triple.
 
Mari Ipatzi replaced Williams in the bottom of the eighth and though VU had an error in the frame, Ipatzi generated a flyout to end the stanza.  The Blue and Gold regained the lead in the ninth inning with two runs, with a Roth double starting the rally.  She got to third on a single by Adriana Portillo and VU pulled off a double steal to score Roth.  Portillo then scored on a double by Mia Hernandez, pushing Vanguard ahead 5–3. The Vulcans managed to score once more in the bottom of the ninth, but the Lions held on to secure a 5–4 victory.
 
Both teams had 13 hits, one error, and 10 runners left on base. Williams allowed 11 hits and three earned runs while striking out one in seven innings.  Ipatzi came in and went two innings, surrendering two hits and one earned run while notching her first win of the campaign.  Roth was had a team-leading three hits, including a double, while driving in and scoring a run.  Walker, Portillo, and Hernandez went 2-for-5
 
 
UHH 3 VU 0 It was the Chloe Sales show in the twin bill, as the Vulcan's starter went the distance and did not allow a Vanguard hit.  Portillo and Amarah Farley were hit by pitches to become VU's only base runners in the contest, and though Farley got to third, neither could be brought home. 
 
In the fourth inning, Hawaii Hilo broke the deadlock by scoring two runs and in the bottom of the fifth, the Vulcans extended their lead to 3-0 off a past ball.  UHH had seven hits and eight runners left on base and the Lions had one error in the game.  LeeAnne Miranda had a solid performance despite being charged with the loss, with the starter recording two strikeouts.  Mia Iacomini completed the affair and allowed one walk and one hit in two innings of work.