KAILUA-KONA — Gold Coast fell behind early, but never panicked. The team showed championship poise on the way to a 15-5 victory over Hilo on Saturday at Old Kona Airport Park.
With the win, Gold Coast secured the District 4 Major (ages 9-12) championship and a trip to Hilo next weekend for the state tournament.
“It turned out to be a little challenging early, but the girls worked very hard and bounced back,” manager Nino Kaai said. “The girls are very aware of where we are heading. It feels like they are very focused. They know how much more they need to prepare.”
Kaai said he’s excited for the state tournament next weekend but doesn’t know who his team will face yet. That uncertainty has him excited.
“They have no idea what we are doing as well. I like that,” Kaai said with a laugh. “The thing I find most special is that everyone on this team agrees with the idea of being a ‘team.’ They have grabbed onto the idea that we are one. No one is bigger than that idea.”
That mantra helped Gold Coast weather the early storm. Hilo loaded the bases with no outs in the first inning and its first three batters scored. However, Gold Coast would get out of the jam and ramp up its defense the rest of the way, allowing just two runs.
Gold Coast scored three or more runs in all but one inning, the most damage coming during a five-run fourth.
Members of the winning team were: Makenzie Alapai, Maliekekaialo Espejo, Haikela Hiraishi, Rihanna Joaquin, Savannah Kupukaa, Mixtli Lindsey-Robles, Kalia Marquez, Harmonie Medeiros, Zanaiyah Murai, Caitlyn Nakamura, Kaleigh Nakamura, Freeda Shafauna Tosie, Kailana Valenzuela-Conte and Maile Vickery-Mafi.
Kaai was the manager, but commended the efforts of his coaches Kallen Hiraishi and Noel Espejo.
“Those guys did such a good job getting these girls ready,” Kaai said.
Baseball
West Side 14, North Hawaii 0
Kingson Lee and Kahiau Rivera combined for the shutout as West Side coasted by North Hawaii in TKO fashion. Lee had six strikeouts on 35 pitches, while Rivera added a pair in relief.
Lee also had a busy day at the plate, nearly hitting for the cycle. He was credited with a single, double and triple. Keale Blas notched a triple and a single for West Side.
In the second inning West Side scored 10 consecutive runners.
North Hawaii will face Ka‘u in an elimination game today. The winner will take on West Side on Monday.