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IRVINE, Calif. — University of Hawaii pitchers Isaiah Magdaleno and Tsubasa Tomii today were named to the All-Big West first team.
“It’s a blessing, but I’ve got to keep working hard,” said Magdaleno, who also was named national pitcher of the week by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
Right-handed pitcher Hekili Robello was named to the second team.
Outfielder/first baseman Ben Zeigler-Namoa and third baseman Tate Shimao received honorable mention.
“To be all-conference in the Big West, which is the best baseball conference on the West Coast, is a tremendous honor,” UH coach Rich Hill said. “To be recognized is phenomenal. It’s a good representation.”
Magdaleno, a junior right-hander, was mostly a catcher in high school when he signed with the Rainbow Warriors. After an up-and-down freshman season in 2024, he became the ’Bows’ closer last year. This year, he moved back to the rotation, where he has excelled as the ’Bows’ series-opening starter.
“I guess it was a good move,” pitching coach Keith Zuniga mused during today’s workout at Cicerone Field ahead of Big West Tournament.
In his past three starts, Magdaleno has pitched to a 0.69 ERA and 0.31 WHIP while averaging 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
“Just putting myself in a good spot and trying to stay consistent and being healthy,” Magdaleno said. “That’s been a really big goal of mine.”
In his first UH season, Tomii, the pitching hero for Japan in the 2017 Little League World Series, has a 1.56 ERA in 25 relief appearances, including 1.11 against Big West hitters.
“I’m so grateful and so very happy,” Tomii said of the first-team recognition. “I didn’t expect I was going to get first team. I was surprised, but so happy.”
Robello, a Hilo High graduate, redshirted last season after transferring from Santa Rosa Junior College.
“I want to thank Coach (Zuniga) for everything he’s done,” Robello said. “He’s guided me through this whole season.”
Every Monday, Zuniga sent Hill a picture of Robello in study hall. Robello now has a near 4.0 grade-point average and is on track to earn a bachelor’s degree next year.
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“It’s a blessing, but I’ve got to keep working hard,” said Magdaleno, who also was named national pitcher of the week by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
Right-handed pitcher Hekili Robello was named to the second team.
Outfielder/first baseman Ben Zeigler-Namoa and third baseman Tate Shimao received honorable mention.
“To be all-conference in the Big West, which is the best baseball conference on the West Coast, is a tremendous honor,” UH coach Rich Hill said. “To be recognized is phenomenal. It’s a good representation.”
Magdaleno, a junior right-hander, was mostly a catcher in high school when he signed with the Rainbow Warriors. After an up-and-down freshman season in 2024, he became the ’Bows’ closer last year. This year, he moved back to the rotation, where he has excelled as the ’Bows’ series-opening starter.
“I guess it was a good move,” pitching coach Keith Zuniga mused during today’s workout at Cicerone Field ahead of Big West Tournament.
In his past three starts, Magdaleno has pitched to a 0.69 ERA and 0.31 WHIP while averaging 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
“Just putting myself in a good spot and trying to stay consistent and being healthy,” Magdaleno said. “That’s been a really big goal of mine.”
In his first UH season, Tomii, the pitching hero for Japan in the 2017 Little League World Series, has a 1.56 ERA in 25 relief appearances, including 1.11 against Big West hitters.
“I’m so grateful and so very happy,” Tomii said of the first-team recognition. “I didn’t expect I was going to get first team. I was surprised, but so happy.”
Robello, a Hilo High graduate, redshirted last season after transferring from Santa Rosa Junior College.
“I want to thank Coach (Zuniga) for everything he’s done,” Robello said. “He’s guided me through this whole season.”
Every Monday, Zuniga sent Hill a picture of Robello in study hall. Robello now has a near 4.0 grade-point average and is on track to earn a bachelor’s degree next year.
Continue reading...
