Big fifth inning propels Mid-Pacific over Iolani


Mid-Pacific remedied a slow-start with a four-run outburst in a pivotal fifth inning to come away with a 6-3 victory over upset-minded 'Iolani.

The Owls got on the scoreboard first, taking a 1-0 lead at the end of three innings on Tasi Docktor's blooper to right field that fell in to score Karis Kochi from third base.

Down, but not out, 'Iolani would respond in the top of the fourth.

After Brielle Asato's bunt single to lead off the inning, Ula Reis-Moniz would give the Raiders the lead with just one swing of the bat, hitting a two-run blast that easily cleared the fence in nearly straight-away center.

"We knew that she (Reis-Moniz) was a big hitter, and this park here, any strong hitter like Ula can put it out at any time." remarked Mid-Pacific head coach Willie Quinn.

'Iolani would add another run in the fifth on an errant throw to first with two outs, allowing Lindsey Teruya to score from third, but Carlos would end the threat by striking out the next batter to retire the side.

Kiley Oeda would lead-off the last of the fifth of reaching first on an errant throw that drew the Iolani first baseman off the bag. Oeda would get into scoring position off a sacrifice bunt by Karis Kochi, and then to third on a single by Lindsey Matoi to put runners on the corners.

"After that (errant throw to get the Oeda on first) we had our big hitters come up and anytime we have a chance to bring them around again, they seem to come through." Quinn added.

And Owls starter Keiki Carlos, for the second time in as many games, would do just that, hitting a hard grounder to the gap between first and second and beating the throw to first that would trickle to the fence near the Owls' dugout, allowing both Oeda and Matoi to score.

Freshman Nicole Lopez would stroke a key double to left field to drive in Carlos for the go-ahead run, and Gabrielle Hollinger would add an RBI double of her own to extend the Owls lead to 5-3. Lopez and Hollinger would each finish 2-of-3 on the afternoon.

Mid-Pacific would add an insurance run in the sixth on Tasi Docktor's double to center that brought home Kristi Nagamine.

In the seventh, Carlos would shut down any chance of an 'Iolani rally, striking out the lead-off batter, her sixth of the game, then inducing a routine ground ball for out number two and a bunt back to the mound to end it.

Docktor would lead the way for the Owls, batting 3-of-4 with two doubles and 2 RBIs.

'Iolani's Reis-Moniz drew two walks to go along with her two-run home run.

"They ('Iolani) came here to battle today, they wanted to knock us off, and I was just glad we were able to pull through." remarked Quinn.


Reach Brien Ing at [email protected].