Hawaiian Electric Game of the Week
Warriors, Saints both looking to make history


 



History will be made at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium Friday afternoon.

One team will win its first-ever state crown when Kamehameha-Hawaii and Saint Francis takes each other on in the title game of the DataHouse/HHSAA Division II Softball Championships. First pitch is slated for 4:30 p.m.

The two teams met last year in the state semifinals with the Saints winning in commanding fashion, 9-0.

Second-year KS-Hawaii coach Akeamakamae Kiyuna said last season's game against Saint Francis was an invaluable learning experience for her squad.

"It gave the returners a goal to shoot for and to have an idea of what to expect when we come here (in terms) of the level of play," said Kiyuna. "We had an idea of the level of play that we needed to come into the season with, and then to build on that so we can reach that level by the time we reach this venue."


KS-Hawaii 8, Kalani 7

The Warriors, the No. 2 seed in the tournament, are coming off a 8-7 win over third-seeded Kalani in the semifinals to reach the championship game.

KS-Hawaii took a 3-1 lead after the top of the third and pushed its lead to 7-2 in the fifth, but ran into trouble in the bottom of the inning. Brooke Baptiste came in to relieve starter Jessica Cameros with the go-ahead run at the plate to earn the save as the Warriors staved off the Falcons to win.

"The girls gave the fight of their life today," said Kiyuna. "Kalani played an amazing game, (but) we made the adjustments and capitalized. I'm very proud of our girls for keeping their cool and not letting the errors and the hits affect them. They buckled down, they dug deep and they pulled it off."

Although the Warriors have just two seniors on their team, they have young players that are playing beyond their years to support the upperclassmen. KS-Hawaii starts three freshman, including Dioni Lincoln and Kawehi Ili at second base and shortstop respectively. Third baseman Leiloa-Valerie Bustamante and catcher Kawai Kauahi-Raquel are sophomores.

"They're actually very mature," said Kiyuna. "I think it creates a nice balance for everyone. For our seniors and upperclassmen, it takes a lot of the pressure and weight of off their shoulders knowing that they have people behind them to back them up."


Konawaena 7, No. 5 Saint Francis 8

The Saints are coming off a walk-off 8-7 win over Konawaena in the semifinals in a game where they trailed for majority of the contest.

Saint Francis allowed two home runs in the top of the first and another in the third before pulling off the come-from-behind victory. Kamaile Perreira came off the bench and hit a solo home run to cut into the Wildcats' lead in the bottom of the sixth and Kaena Keliinoi was hit by pitch with the bases loaded in the seventh to score the game-winning run.

"We're very fortunate," said Saint Francis coach Randy Langsi. "The girls believed and I know it's kind of cliche, but when we're down there at the end, any time we have a last at bat, we always have a shot."

Langsi is hoping that his team got the nerves out against Konawaena and is expecting a strong battle from the Warriors.

"They're a reason they are here," he said of KS-Hawaii. "We're expecting it to be a good game tomorrow. I think both team will be hitting the ball."



Reach Michael Lasquero at [email protected].




Show your support

Every contribution, no matter the size, will help ScoringLive continue its mission to provide the best and most comprehensive coverage of high school sports in the state of Hawaii and beyond.

Please consider making a contribution today.

ADVERTISEMENT


IMAGE GALLERY



MORE STORIES

Mililani's Duranceau headlines All-OIA West selections

The senior outside hitter helped lead the Trojans to the OIA Division I championship match and state...

Castle's Pili-Rumusod named All-OIA East POY

The senior setter set the table with over 300 assists and 100 digs for the Knights, who reached the OIA...

HMSA honors 19th class of Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program

The ceremony recognized 15 high school seniors and nine high schools for all-around excellence in academics,...

Aiea's Souza headlines All-OIA D2 softball honorees

The Na Alii junior was dominant in the circle and at the plate to help Aiea win the OIA Division II championship.

Kalani sweeps top honors in OIA Division I-East softball

Naomi Stremick's versatile play helped the Falcons represent the OIA D1 East in the state tournament.

Trojans' Hirano selected as All-OIA D1 West Player of the Year

The senior shortstop led Mililani defensively and was the leadoff hitter for the championship-winning...