49ers splits two  with Rainbows

The Hawaii Rainbows was the name of the team that played Long Beach State Tuesday. But at one point, the only color LBSU Head Coach Pete Manarino saw was red.

Manarino was tossed out of the first game during the seventh inning after questioning a call.

Hawaii (14-15) won the game 3-2. Rainbow Desiree Duran (5-2) took the win while 49er Traci Hensel (8-7) received the loss.

"We were a little lethargic after such a tough weekend," Manarino said, of long weekend against Cal State Fullerton.
 

The 49ers (28-12) picked up in the second game. LBSU shortstop Jennifer Spigner smacked a home run and 49ers pinch runner Kristina McCarty and third baseman Christina Zepeda each added runs as the 49ers won 3-2.

LBSU pitcher Kelly Naswari (4-0) recorded the win and Rainbow Janelle Gonzales (4-7) suffered the loss.

Manarino recognized that the players were tired and appreciated their efforts.

"They came in a little flat the first game," he said. "It was a good sign for them to bounce back."

Manarino again saw all colors after the doubleheader was over.

"We're happy with the split," he said, "That doesn't hurt us. Conference is what counts."  The 49ers continue conference play with a doubleheader versus UC Santa Barbara at the 49er softball complex 1 p.m. Saturday.