HPU Softball growing and learning under new coaching staff

The record may not reflect it, but the Hawai‘i Pacific University softball team is trending in the right direction.

Despite being swept in their most recent home series against Dominican University of California, the Sharks (4-14) showed flashes of promise in three of the four losses.

In the series opener, HPU mounted a two-run rally in the bottom of the sixth inning to remain competitive in a 6-2 loss. The Sharks followed with a marathon contest that stretched into multiple extra innings before falling 5-3 after tying the game following the fifth inning.

HPU also appeared poised to salvage the finale after building a 7-1 lead through four innings, but Dominican rallied to hand the Sharks an 8-7 defeat.

Although the losses were frustrating, first-year head coach Alex Takemura said the experience has been valuable for a young roster.

“What we cover at practice — it’s very hard to create those scenarios and the emotion that goes into it,” Takemura said. “I think that just comes with experience. There are a lot of growing pains and a lot of things we can’t really duplicate at practice, but the girls are coming a long way.”

“They’re really learning a lot. We’re taking all the bumps along the way, but we’re learning from them and I think we’re going to be stronger for it.”

Sophomore infielder Felicia Tanno turns a double play against Dominican. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Takemura also praised the team’s resilience despite the results.

“They never quit,” he said. “They play to the end. They take all of the instruction — anything that we do with it — they trust it, and it’s becoming very competitive.”

Several players have stood out early in the season.

Junior catcher Danielle Cote is batting .395 with 17 hits and 11 RBIs. Sophomore Makayla Pagampao leads the team in hits (19), doubles (six) and RBIs (14), while sophomore shortstop Taryn Hirano tops the Sharks in runs scored (18) and triples (five) while taking on a larger leadership role.

Sophomore shortstop Taryn Hirano has been a steady presence for the 2026 HPU softball team. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Junior infielder Miquela Leopoldo has also surged recently, going 6-for-9 over the team’s last three games.

“There’s bits and pieces of really good signs from a lot of people,” Takemura said.

HPU now turns its attention to its longest road stretch of the season with 16 consecutive games away from the islands. The Sharks will not return to their home field at Sand Island Recreational Park until April 13.

Takemura hopes the extended road trip will help the team continue to grow.

“Just continue to build memories and come tougher as a team,” he said. “The road can do a lot of things to you, but it can also bring you really, really close. You learn a lot about each other and spend a lot of time together, so it’s learning who we can count on and who steps up in different moments.”

The Sharks open the road trip with a pair of doubleheaders against Concordia University Irvine on Friday and Saturday.