Punahou hammers Kapolei to advance


ScoringLive staff
May 8, 2018, 7:47am

Punahou's Bailey Akimseu hit a three-RBI home run and finished 2 for 3 with five RBIs. Greg Yamamoto | SL

MANOA — Sixth-ranked Punahou broke out the bats to rout fourth-ranked Kapolei, 10-2, to cap the DataHouse/HHSAA Division I Softball State Championships opening round Tuesday at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.

The Buffanblu made their first state tournament appearance since 2013 when it won it all and advance to the quarterfinals to play Maui Interscholastic League champion Lahainaluna at 11:30 a.m.

Punahou cranked out nine hits and two home runs to create separation in the third and fifth innings. Ashanti Martinez hit a three-RBI homer to right field for a 6-2 lead, and Bailey Akimseu hit a three-RBI home run and finished 2 for 3 with five overall RBIs. D'Asha Saiki went 2 for 3 and scored three runs.

Kennedy Ishii pitched a complete game, walking three and allowing two eanred runs in the win.

Cira Bartolotti gave up six runs on three hits and walked six and was tagged with the loss. Tatum Guzman came in the third inning and pitched the rest of the game allowing six hits, walking two, and striking out one.

Guzman drove in both Kapolei runs scored by Lili Kaimi-Montira with a sacrifice fly and a single to left.

The Hurricanes drop to the consolation bracket to play Kealakehe on Thursday at 9:15 am at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.