Softball: Fall schedule released

The annual Kama’aina Classic and the return of the alumnae game highlight the Rainbow Wahine softball team’s fall schedule.

UH opens fall practice on Oct. 13 and hosts the Kama’aina Classic on Nov. 7 and 8 at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium. The Wahine will be joined in the tournament by BYU-Hawaii, Chaminade and UH-Hilo, under new coach and former UH standout Peejay Brun.

Each team will play three games in the two-day tournament.

Friday, Nov 7.
Chaminade vs. BYUH, 4 p.m.
BYUH vs. Hawaii, 6 p.m.
UH-Hilo vs. Hawaii, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 8
Chaminade vs. UH-Hilo, 11 a.m.
BYUH vs. UH-Hilo, 1 p.m.
Chaminade vs. Hawaii, 3 p.m.

UH closes the fall with the alumnae game, returning after a hiatus last year, on Nov. 15.

The regular-season schedule is close to being completed with a few contracts yet to be finalized.

The Wahine lineup returns senior first baseman Leisha Li’ili’i, a first-team All-Big West and second team NFCA West Region selection last season. Li’ili’i hit .401 and led the team with 15 home runs.

Sophomore shortstop Sarina Jaramillo earned second-team All-Big West honors in the spring and the Wahine also return starters in senior catcher Kayla Wartner, junior right fielder Keiki Carlos and sophomore outfielders Lindsey Willmon and Ulu Matagiese.

Freshman Rachel Lack hit .412 and drove in 10 runs for the Australian national team at the ISF World Championship in August and could contribute at catcher, third base or in the outfield.

Georgia Tech transfer Kanani Aina Cabrales joins the pitching staff along with returnees Heather Morales and Loie Kesterson. Brittany Hitchcock is working back from a back injury that forced her to redshirt last season and could give the staff a considerable boost.