Michael Lasquero | SL

Purchase image 1 of 2

Saint Francis players celebrate after a home run hit by Kolbee Kealoha in a 5-2 win over Punahou. Michael Lasquero | SL

Purchase image 2 of 2

MAKIKI — Saint Francis snapped a three-game losing streak with a 5-2 road win over ninth-ranked Punahou in an Interscholastic League of Honolulu contest Saturday afternoon.

Sophomore center fielder Kolbee Kealoha batted 2 for 4 with three RBIs and a solo home run to help the Saints (2-3) notch their first win since their season-opener against Pac-Five on March 9.

The visitors took control of the contest in the top of the third when they plated four runs to take a convincing 4-1 lead. Winning pitcher Skye Ah Yat helped her cause when she drew a walk with the bases loaded to score the team's first run. Taiana Creekmur grounded out to the pitcher to drive in the go-ahead run and Kealoha knocked in a two RBI single to center field before the inning was over.

"It feels really good because we've been having a really hard time playing as a team (before) and it felt good knowing that we worked together and we came up with a successful win," said Kealoha.

Ah Yat scattered four hits in four innings and reliever Tiare Guerrero tossed two strikeouts against one hit in the final three stanzas to stymie the Buffanblu (3-3).

"I thought our pitchers did a great job," said Saint Francis coach Randy Langsi. "They were a lot better and that was key today going in. I think today was kind of turning the corner for us. I think we're looking pretty good on that aspect."

Punahou starter Bailey Akimseu tossed five strikeouts, but had eight walks and was pulled in favor of Lauren Mooney after five and two-third innings.

The Buffanblu took the early lead in the bottom of the second after D'Asha Saiki singled to centerfield.  She was able to score on a passed ball with one out remaining before the inning was over.

After Saint Francis got back to the top of the order in the third, Korrie Matsumura hit a ground ball to right field to get on base. Akimseu then walked the next three batters, the last of which scored Matsumura for the tying run.

"Things went our way so to speak," said Langsi. "We just played within ourselves and took advantage of the situation. Stayed disciplined in the box, not swinging at bad pitches."

Punahou got into a favorable situation early on in the bottom of the fourth and was able to add one more run. Heaven Wong drew a walk to begin the half and Saiki and Jolie Fujita both reached on an error to load the bases. Akimseu singled to center field to score Wong one batter later to make it 4-2 with no outs.

Saint Francis momentarily got out of the jam when third baseman Sammie Ofoia came up with a big grab on a line drive down the left foul line and was able to make the throw to second for a double play. After Ah Yat walked Kawailana Mielke, leftfielder Kenna Santos made a running catch to end the inning.

"Defensively the past couple games we were having a really hard time, so it was good to see that our defense was picking up and stuff like that," said Kealoha. "It was good to see that the plays that we usually don't make, we were able to make today."

Guerrero made her way in the circle in the bottom of the fifth when Ah Yat walked and beaned the first two batters of the frame. She struck out the first batter she faced and got out of the inning thanks to a double play by Kealoha and second baseman Hailey Matsumura.

After swinging on a high pitch, Kealoha homered to center field in the top of the sixth for the final score of the game.

"Before that I was having a hard time because I was signing at her high pitches and I was getting down on myself. So being able to do that, it really helped me in a way too, and not just myself, but my team as well," Kealoha said ab out her homer run. "We were able to get back that confidence, knowing that we got this (and) we're still in the game."

Mielke knocked in a double to deep left field to start the bottom of the seventh, but was left on base as Saint Francis retired the next three batters.

"We had our opportunities almost every inning to at least drive in one or two runs," said Punahou coach Bob Makahilahila. "(Saint Francis) got their runs, but when it was time to get our runs, we didn't get the opportunities they did."

Although his team came up on the losing end, Makahilahila said this game was a good learning experience for his young squad that only has three seniors.

"It's not where you start the season, it's where you're going to end the season," he said.