Despite losses, Ahuna stands out at CWS

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MICHELLE BISHOP/ Special to Hawaii Tribune-Herald Maui Ahuna catches a throw from the outfield as LSU’s Dylan Crews reaches second after hitting a double Saturday night at the 2023 College World Series.
MICHELLE BISHOP/ Special to Hawaii Tribune-Herald Maui Ahuna drove in the first run for Tennessee with an RBI single in the seventh inning Saturday night at the 2023 College World Series.
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OMAHA, Nebraska — Though Tennessee was eliminated from the College World Series on Tuesday, Hilo High School class of 2020 graduate Maui Ahuna notched highlights and made plays for the Volunteers.

In the Vols’ 6-3 Round One loss to LSU, Ahuna had a perfect day in the field with three assists in three chances. He also singled to bat in a run before scoring a run during his team’s three-run effort in the top eighth inning.

In the elimination game against Stanford — which saw the Vols win 6-4 — Ahuna went three-for-five at the plate, scoring a run during the top fifth inning. The shortstop also notched a putout and two assists.

During Tennessee’s 5-0 loss to LSU, Ahuna was the only Volunteer to record multiple hits — going two-for-four with a double. He had another great day in the field, recording two putouts and three assists in five chances — and was part of a double play during the top of the fourth inning.

The Vols ended the year with a 44-22 overall record and finished 16-14 in the SEC despite starting league play 5-10.

Tennessee has now won 40-plus games in each of the last four full seasons excluding the 2020 COVID year.