HPU dropped its last home game of the season against the Aggies of New Mexico State University, 5-6, at Han’s L’Orange Park on April 9. A final series at home had been planned against the Rebels of Dixie State College, but it was cancelled due to ATA’s declaration of bankruptcy.

The final game of a sport’s season is always Senior Night, and for this one the Sea Warriors took the lead in the second inning after a sacrifice fly from senior Michael Kealoha. The Aggies got on the board in the top of the fifth after Richard Stout scored on a wild pitch from senior Kaimi Mead.

In the sixth, NMSU scored three more runs on a fielder’s choice from Matt Lopez and a two-RBI home run by Geoff Downing. HPU scored another run in the bottom of the inning off an RBI double by senior Danny Lee, bringing the score to 4-2.

The Aggies scored another run in the ninth off an RBI single by Franky Busani. The Sea Warriors answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning off a two-RBI single from freshmen Makana Kitamura, and an RBI single from freshmen Cheynne Hirota, which tied the score, 5-5.

In extra innings, HPU just couldn’t come back as NMSU scored on an error by Kealoha to end the game 6-5.

Dillon Smith (1-0) took the win for the Aggies and senior Brandon Muser (0-1) took the loss for the Sea Warriors.

After the game, 11 seniors were honored, including Kealoha, Lee, and Spencer Omlaza, all of whom have been on the team for the past four years.

“ It made me want to play that much harder,” said three-year player, senior Paul Nishimura, “I knew it was going to be my last time playing at Han’s, and with my family and friends there supporting me, I wanted to make them proud.”

HPU dropped to 26-15-1 overall in the season as NMSU improved to 15-17 in their overall season. As one of the two top local schools for the first time, the Sea Warriors have a chance to go to the regionals, but, all they can do now is wait for an invitation.

HPU will close its season on the road at Phoenix, Arizona against the Lores of Grand Canyon University on April 26-28, and then will return to the islands for a final series against the Vulcans of the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.