Punahou locks up first state berth since 2013

Bailey Akimseu feeling good after pounding her first of two home runs on the afternoon and her sixth of the season. Leighland Tagawa | SL

Finally.

Punahou clinched its first state berth since 2013 Wednesday afternoon on senior day with a 12-2 six-inning win over Iolani on the final day of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu softball regular season.

With Maryknoll (7-5) losing to Kamehameha (7-5) the same day, the Buffanblu (9-3) were able to punch their ticket into the postseason by capturing the league's first round title. The last time Punahou was in the state tournament, it went all the way and won the Division I state championship.

Senior Bailey Akimseu led the way with five RBIs coming in on two home runs. Kawailana Mielke also went long with a grand slam as the Buffanblu earned their fourth straight win, their third coming in mercy-rule fashion.

Aleia Agbayani homered to lead the Raiders (6-6) in the loss.