Sticking to coach Bob Coolen’s game plan entering the series, the University of Hawaii softball team went to the short game to build a lead and reliever Kanani Aina Cabrales protected it in a 3-2 win over Cal Poly on Friday in San Luis Obispo, Calif. 

The Rainbow Wahine manufactured a three-run cushion and Aina Cabrales held off Cal Poly in the sixth and seventh innings to earn her second save of the season in relief of starter Brittany Hitchcock.

"We bunted them over and got the timely hits," Coolen said.

Hitchcock (12-6) pitched through an illness and allowed one hit over five innings, retiring 13 consecutive hitters at one stretch, while the Wahine offense scratched out an early lead. 

The Mustangs chased the freshman with a two-run rally in the bottom of the sixth. Aina Cabrales got out of the inning, stranding two runners on base. Cal Poly left the tying run on base in the seventh.

"Nani has to feel good about herself," Coolen said of the sophomore’s relief appearance. "She saw two-thirds of their lineup and took care of them."

Aina Cabrales is scheduled to start the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader at Bob Janssen Field as UH aims for its second series win on the road this season.

UH went immediately to the short game, when leadoff hitter Keiki Carlos was hit by a pitch in the top of the first. Kayla Wartner moved her over with a sacrifice and Leisha Li’ili’i doubled to left field to give UH the lead. 

Heather Morales then drew a walk and Li’ili’i took off for third on ball four for just her third stolen base of her career. The throw to third was wild and the relay back toward the plate hit Li’ili’i, allowing her to score and give UH a 2-0 lead.

"Everyone was shocked," Coolen said of Li’ili’i’s dash.

UH also got run production from another unlikely source. Second baseman Dori Ann Sugai drove in her first run of the season with a two-out single in the fourth, extending UH’s lead to 3-0.

"Solid hit. We’ve been working on her slapping to help with her rhythm, and that was great. It really helped us," Coolen said.

Hitchcock had allowed just one hit before Cal Poly’s Emily Ceccacci and Chelsea Convissar delivered back-to-back triples in the sixth to break up the shutout. Courtney Tyler followed with an RBI single and Sierra Hyland singled to chase Hitchcock. But Aina Cabrales got two ground-ball outs to get UH out of the inning with a 3-2 lead.

Cal Poly put the tying run on with one out in the bottom of the seventh, and Aina Cabrales got a flyout to right and a foul pop to third to finish off the win.

Hyland (16-15) took the loss.

Brittany Hitchcock, Kanani Aina Cabrales (6) and Kayla Wartner. Sierra Hyland and Susanne Morris. W–Hitchcock. L–Hyland. Sv–Aina Cabrales.

Leading hitters–Hawaii: Leisha Li’ili’i, 2b, RBI; Dori Ann Sugai, RBI. Cal Poly: Emily Ceccacci, 3B; Chelsea Convissar, 2-3, 3B, RBI; Courtney Tyler, RBI.