Utah Tech closed out its season-opening trip to the Islands with a 2-1 triumph over host Hawai'i in the final game of the UH Paradise Classic on Sunday at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.   
 
The Trailblazers (3-2) scored both runs in the top of the third, when after a Hannah Hughbanks lead-off single, Lauren Almeida drove a 1-0 Brianna Lopez offering over the right center field fence to stake UT to a 2-0 lead. The Almeida home run was the Blazers' first round-tripper of the season.
 
Freshman pitcher Sauren Garton made that two-run lead stand as she hurled a complete-game five hitter, striking out two and allowing only one fifth inning Rainbow Wahine (3-2) run.

Utah Tech finished with four hits on the day, with Almedia accounting for two of the Blazers' four safeties. 
 
Four Trailblazers were named to the Paradise Classic all-tournament team, including Garton being named Most Valuable Pitcher after she posted a 2-0 record and a 0.51 ERA with seven total strikeouts. Meanwhile, freshman lead-off hitter Tanya Windle batted .438 (7-for-16) with three extra base hits, six RBI and four runs scored to earn Most Valuable Player honors.
 
In addition, senior 3B Laura Lockard and freshman outfielder LB Kahahawai-Kekona were named to the all-tournament team.   

Utah Tech will return to the mainland and then head to San Diego next weekend to play in the USD Torero Classic.