Latest news with #OutriggerInvitational
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UH's Ah Yat proud to be back home with Dad in the stands
After winning 14 of 22 non-conference games, the University of Hawai'i softball team turns the page this week, opening Big West play against longtime rival Long Beach State at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium. The Rainbow Wahine (14-8) enter conference action with the most wins in the Big West and a strong 12-4 home record. They will host The Beach in a three-game series Friday and Saturday, looking to continue their momentum in front of their home crowd. One of the key contributors to Hawai'i's success has been sophomore infielder Milan Ah Yat, who was named the Big West Field Player of the Week after a standout performance in the Outrigger Invitational. The Loyola Marymount transfer leads UH with a 1.135 OPS and 15 RBIs, delivering key moments for the 'Bows—including a walk-off home run three weeks ago. For Ah Yat, a former Pac-Five standout, playing in front of family and friends has made her return to Hawai'i even more meaningful—especially for her father, former UH baseball star pitcher Paul Ah Yat. 'I think it makes it so much more special,' Ah Yat said. 'Playing on the mainland is a different feeling, but coming home makes me even more proud to be out there, playing for my family and my friends. It feels like high school all over again—especially playing on this field and for my dad, knowing he played at UH. It's just an amazing feeling, and I'm so grateful to be here.' For Paul Ah Yat, watching his daughter thrive in a Rainbow Wahine uniform has been a surreal experience. 'It's been a blessing for all of us,' he said. 'Having Milan here and seeing her play—I don't think I truly appreciated how special it is to be a Rainbow. It's been surreal.' While Paul has provided guidance throughout Milan's career, their dynamic has evolved since her return home. 'In the beginning, it was mainly a coach-and-player relationship,' Milan said. 'Now, he's stepped into more of a fatherly role. He still gives me tips and coaches me throughout the season, but he's taken a step back and has been there for me off the field. I really love him for that.' Paul acknowledged that their family's support system—including his wife and younger daughter, Amari—has played a big part in Milan's transition back home. 'Even though she mentions me, I feel like my wife, Catherine, and Mari, our youngest have really helped Milan with the life portion of being home,' he said. 'It's brought our family closer together, and I think we're in a pretty special place right now.' Ah Yat has already launched four home runs this season, and the Rainbow Wahine will look to carry their offensive momentum into Big West play. Hawai'i's three-game series against Long Beach State kicks off Friday at 6 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader at 2 p.m. Only Friday's game will be televised. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
28-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Washington softball run-rules Howard University 8-0 at Outrigger Invitational
Washington softball run-rules Howard University 8-0 at Outrigger Invitational After heading halfway across the Pacific Ocean to the Outrigger Invitational in Honolulu, Hawaii, the Washington Huskies have gotten off to a fast start. In their second game of the tournament, coach Heather Tarr's team came away with a commanding 8-0 victory over Howard University in a five-inning run-rule victory. Hosted by the University of Hawai'i at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium, this matchup marked another dominant performance for the Huskies as they continue on their 12-day road trip in style. Entering the tournament at 10-7 on the season, the Huskies had already faced a mix of tough opponents, but their game against 4-9 Howard gave them an opportunity to flex their offensive might and pitching staff. Freshman Morgan Reimer was the star of the show, delivering her second shutout in a week. Reimer was nearly untouchable, allowing just two hits with seven strikeouts as the Team Canada standout looks like she's settling in at the college level. While Reimer controlled the game from the circle, Washington's bats exploded. The Huskies wasted no time, plating eight runs to trigger the mercy rule. Freshman first baseman Alexis DeBoer led the charge, going 2-for-3 at the plate with a three-run home run that blew the game open. DeBoer's performance was a continuation of her incredible play this season, and her ability to deliver in clutch moments has quickly made her a cornerstone of Tarr's lineup. Adding to the offensive highlight reel was sophomore outfielder Ava Carroll, who has solidified herself in the lineup. In the second inning, she opened the scoring by sailing her first career Division I home run, a two-run blast, into center field. The Canby, Oregon, product has impressed early in the season and leads the team with a .393 batting average. For a team transitioning into the Big Ten Conference, contributions from new arrivals like Carroll could signal a bright future ahead for the Huskies. With the win, the Huskies improved to 11-7 on the season and will play three more games at the Outrigger Invitational across Thursday and Friday before heading home for a quick break. Then, they'll hit the road again on March 8 for the Black and Orange Classic in Pocatello, Idaho.
