CJ Caraang | SL

Purchase image 1 of 2

MIlilani players react after recording the final out against Campbell to win their second straight OIA Division I title. CJ Caraang | SL

Purchase image 2 of 2

Mililani held off a feisty Campbell squad, 4-3, in the bottom of the seventh inning to claim their second consecutive Oahu Interscholastic Association Division I title at the Tigers' Softball Stadium. The Trojans clinch a first round bye to the DataHouse/Hawaii High School Athletic Association Softball State Championships starting next week.

"Campbell is such a great team and you have to give them props, but it feels so amazing and I'm speechless. We're just starting since there's states next," said Aubree Kim.

Both teams split the regular season series with Campbell recently winning, 10-4.

Merilis "Mama" Rivera came up big on offense going 1-for-3 and crushing a 3 RBI home run in the fourth inning and Kristen Ishii went 2-for-3 and drove in a run as the Trojans got seven hits for the game.

"I did it for my team because they had my back. From the beginning we were loose and it helped us a lot and took away our butterflies," said Rivera. "It's a sense of relief and this was our goal from the start of the season."

Aubree Kim pitched a complete game and started off a little slow allowing three walks in the first inning, but the game came to her as each inning progressed. She retired the side in the fourth and finished with eight strike outs and four walks for the game.

Mililani held a 4-1 lead going into the bottom of the seventh until momentum swung Campbell's way, literally. Kyra Hoohuli, who came in for Ashlyn Yagin provided a spark and led off with a single. Chardonnay Pantastico and Cydney Curran each singled to load the bases. Kim forced Elisa Favela to pop out to Maya Yoshiura and struck out Sierra Mariano for the second out. Nashlynn Anguay stepped up to the plate to hit a 2RBI double to cut the deficit to one run. However, Caragh Morris grounded out to short to end the game.

"Hat's off to Campbell and they always bring their best game and can come back whenever," said Rivera.

"I had a feeling Campbell would come back and make it a good game. During that inning, I tried not to think about it and tried to zone out the noise and focused," said Kim. "My defense always had my back."

"The ball bounced their way and we didn't capitalize on the bad pitches. We were just looking at pitches and when she had to throw strikes and we couldn't put the barrel on the ball," said Campbell coach Shag Hermosura.

Favela walked Yoshiura and Kylie-Ann Bello singled and Kristen Ishii singled to bring in Yoshiura for the first score. Rivera provided a huge boost for the Trojans as she ripped a 3RBI home run. The Trojans scored all their runs in the fourth inning to take an early 4-0 lead.

"I feel like our bats are coming around and hopefully they last to states," said Kim.

Campbell got their first run of the game after Pantastico doubled and later scored on an error on the second baseman.

The Sabers will play in the opening round of the state tournament starting on May 12.

"We have to battle in the state tournament now and see how far we can go and hopefully we can make it to the title game. I know these girls are going to bounce back," said Hermosura.