Waipahu, HI - The Academy of Art University softball team began conference play on the road as they took on Chaminade University in a double header on Saturday afternoon. With the Knights battling the elements in the hot sun and wind, they were still able to prevail over the Silverswords in the first game 5-4 as they opened conference with a win.  Game two was another story, as the Knights again let errors get in the way. Chaminade was able to take advantage as they topped the Urban Knights 8-6.

The Urban Knights struck first as they scored one run in the top of the second inning. After that early one run lead, the Knights took control of the game and coasted through the rest of it. They posted another run in the third, one more in the fifth, and two runs in the sixth to secure their win. As AAU's offense came through in the game, so did their pitching. A strong performance by Sierrah Garcia held the Silverswords scoreless for six complete innings.

But even with the big numbers the Knights' offense was putting up, they couldn't keep the Silverswords quiet. In the bottom of the seventh, the Silverswords started a no-out rally. AAU's defense faltered in the inning, allowing the Silverswords to capitalize on those errors, and threatened the Knights' solid pitching performance. Chaminade managed to post four runs in the seventh, but it would not be enough to take the lead, and the Knights were able to hang on for the win.

Shampayne Clay led the Knights' offensive charge going 2-4 with a double, and two runs scored. Ashley Lokey also stood out going 2-3 with two runs batted in, and a stolen base. Julie Martin put up big numbers as well going 1-3 with two runs scored, and a stolen base.

Sierrah Garcia impressed on the mound going all seven innings pitched giving up four runs, and posting six strikeouts.

Kori Berinobis was strong offensively for the Silverswords going 3-4 with one run scored, and Keli-Grace went 2-4, also with a run scored. Alyssa Dumlao also did well going 2-3 with one run scored. Receiving the loss was Kelly Koras who gave up five runs, one walk, and had one strikeout in seven innings pitched.

The Urban Knights scored five runs on nine hits, and has four recorded errors.

The Academy of Art University again took an early lead in game two when they pushed one run across in the top of the first. The Silverswords answered right back by scoring three runs of their own in the bottom of the inning. Chaminade wouldn't stop there. They added to their lead by scoring three more runs in the bottom of the third, and then two more in the bottom of the sixth to seize control.

The Urban Knights showed a glimmer of hope when they came through offensively in the fourth. They were able to score two runs when Ashley Lokey doubled to deep center field. That would be all the runs the Knights would be able to score, as the Silversword pitching kept them off balance. But it would turn out to again be the errors that prevented AAU from staying in the game, and they fell short to Chaminade in game two.

Julie Martin had a tremendous game going 3-3 with one run scored. Shampayne Clay again did well going 2-3 with a double, and one run batted in, and Nicole Smith went 2-4 with one run scored.

Starting the game was Kimberly Dauer who went 2.1 innings pitched. She gave up six runs, one walk, and had three strikeouts. Sierrah Garcia came in to relieve Dauer, she went 3.2 innings pitched. Garcia gave up two runs, two walks, and had one strikeout. Despite receiving the loss for the game, the Urban Knight pitchers did well.

For the Silversowrds, Melissa Harris had a good game going 3-4 with two runs scored, and two runs batted in, and Krisitne Mihara went 2-3 with one run scored. Brandi Sasaki again did well for her team going 2-4 with one run, and one RBI. Receiving the win was Kasy'e Lalau, who threw seven innings giving up nine hits, and three earned runs.

After the split, the Academy of Art University's record is at 1-1 in conference, and 10-8-1 overall, and Chaminade University's record is at 9-5 in conference and 12-10 overall. The Urban Knights play again tomorrow, March 14^th against Chaminade University in another mid-day double header. Game times are scheduled for 12:00 and 2:00 PM (HST) at Central Oahu Regional Park.