Waimea slugs past Kalaheo to reach D2 title game


Waimea's Gaylan Matagiese celebrates with Deannalynn Tafiti after a home run hit against Kalaheo. Greg Yamamoto | SL
Gaylan Matagiese and Deannalynn Tafiti each launched home runs to spark a 13-3 Waimea rout over Kalaheo in the second semifinal of the DataHouse Division II Softball State Championships.

Matagiese would finish the afternoon 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI, while Tafiti was 2-for-4 with a home run and 2 RBI. Tafiti was also the winning pitcher.

Kalaheo's Venise Elisara hit a three-run home run for the Mustangs in the loss.

Waimea will take on Nanakuli, a 14-8 winner over Kauai, in the first semifinal of the afternoon. First pitch is set for 5:00 p.m. at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.