Seariders pull away from Na Menehune to advance; Kapolei next

Waianae pitcher Kehaulani Tambaoan-Kaeo fires a pitch to plate against Moanalua in the first round of the OIA Division I softball playoffs. Michael Lasquero | SL

Kehaulani Tambaoan-Kaeo was magnificent in her playoff debut.

The Waianae freshman tossed a season-high 10 strikeouts as the Seariders pulled past host Moanalua, 6-1, in the opening round of the OIA Division I softball tournament Wednesday afternoon.

The Seariders, who finished sixth in the West, snapped a nine-game losing streak with the victory as they advance to play West No. 2 seed Kapolei Thursday in a 3 p.m. quarterfinal.

Catcher Chancie-Lynn Kelley led Waianae (2-9) at the plate by going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and one run scored. Shortstop Alize Tangaro-Smith was also stellar with a 2-for-2 day at the plate, which also included two walks and two runs scored.

The game was a pitcher's duel through the first two innings until Camryn Hensley was hit by a pitch in the top of the third. She would later go on to score the game's first run as the Seariders were able to manufacture runs in each of the final five innings to back up Tambaoan-Kaeo.

Na Menehune avoided the shutout in the bottom of the fifth when Maila Taga's RBI single scored Kara Miyoshi.

Moanalua, who was the East's No. 3 seed, saw its season come to a close with a 6-5 record.