KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii – Less then 48 hours after moving up to No. 8 in the NFCA rankings, the Concordia University Irvine softball team tangled with Hawaii Hilo out on the islands.

Despite some fantastic performances by the CUI pitchers, the Eagles were unable to come out on top and were saddled with a pair of close losses.

Game 1: Vulcans 1, Eagles 0

Recently named PacWest Pitcher of the Week Callie Nunes allowed just three hits against Hawaii Hilo in the first game of the day. She struck out ten batters on Thursday in another outstanding effort on the mound.

The bad news was that one of those hits by the Vulcans was a solo home run by Vevesi Liilii and it came in the same game that the CUI offense was held to two hits.

McKinsey Thorpe and shortstop Sarah Kretschmar each contributed base knocks. Unfortunately, the Eagles could not string together enough hits to move in front. Liilii's solo shot proved to be the difference and UHH took the opening game of the series 1-0.

Nunes now owns a 1.04 ERA and has 64 strikeouts already this year. Opponents are hitting just a measly .174 against Nunes as well.

Game 2: Vulcans 2, Eagles 1

Concordia broke through with an unearned run in the first inning when Thorpe moved up into the two-spot in the batting order and reached on an error. Thorpe stole second base and later scored on a wild pitch to put the Eagles up 1-0.

However the Vulcans responded in the bottom of the third inning with back-to-back hits to jump in front, 2-1.

Lauren Fairchild made her first start of the season and contributed two hits. The Eagles were able to get the potential tying run in scoring position in both the fifth and seventh innings but the Vulcans were able to wiggle their way out of trouble unscathed.

Freshman Rae Flores pitched three innings and allowed only three hits, three walks, and two runs during her time on the mound.

Erika Morris pitched three scoreless frames after Flores and gave up only two hits to help keep the Eagles in the mix.

The Green and Gold look to bounce back on Friday, March 6 as the two schools finish their four-game series with a second doubleheader weather-permitting.

For the full CUI softball schedule, click here.