It could be said that Konawaena saved its best for last. However, a late surge made sure it wouldn’t be the last time on the diamond this season for the Wildcats.
It could be said that Konawaena saved its best for last. However, a late surge made sure it wouldn’t be the last time on the diamond this season for the Wildcats.
Down 8-3 entering the final inning of the BIIF Division II third-place game against Honokaa, Konawaena pushed seven runs across the plate and held off the Dragons in the bottom half to win 10-9 and lock up a spot in the HHSAA tournament.
It will be Konawaena’s fourth consecutive trip to the state tourney. Last year ended very similarly, with the Wildcats edging Honokaa 8-7 for a state berth. Konawaena went on to lose to Nanakuli, of the OIA, 16-6 in the first round.
Kaimana Joy Manzano led the way for the Wildcat offense, going 2 for 2 at the plate with a triple and 3 RBIs. Magedlynn Anuntak also had a pair of RBIs for Konawaena.
Tiani Lastimosa got the win in the circle, going all seven innings. She allowed five hits and four earned runs, striking out eight and walking eight.
Taylor Tabucbuc had three RBIs for Honokaa.
The two teams combined for 19 runs and 15 hits, including five extra base hits.
Manzano, Anuntak, Precious Transfiguration, Jenai Halemano each had RBIs during the seventh inning rally.
Honokaa did make a run late, with Shawnee Lucero slapping an RBI triple. But there just wasn’t enough left in the tank for the Dragons.
Konawaena 0 0 1 1 0 1 7 — 10 10 8
Honokaa 2 0 1 0 1 4 1 — 9 5 2