HILO — The Waiakea High School varsity softball team played its final home game with tenacity, defeating Kealakehe High School 13-3 in six-innings on Monday.
In the early innings, the game did not seem to be headed for a blowout. In the top first, Waveriders leadoff Freeda Tosie walked — then scored after singles by Chesney Palos and Rihanna Joaquin.
The Warriors took the lead with three runs in the bottom first. Madisen Kodani singled and stole second, then was sent home by Kaylee Aiona’s double. Tehani Chinen immediately matched Aiona’s double to bat her in, then scored during an outfield error.
Despite getting on base multiple times, Kealakehe did not add anymore points until the top fourth. Meanwhile, Waiakea doubled its lead in the bottom third. Lexi Santiago singled and stole second, then Aiona returned with another double to send Santiago over the plate. Korri Fernandez tripled to bat in Aiona, then Jhayda Turner doubled to bat in Fernandez.
The Warriors recorded an even bigger bottom fourth, boosting their lead to 11-2. Kodani and Santiago eachsingled, then Aiona hit a three-run homer. Chinen doubled, then reached third on an error as Turner touched first and stole second. A triple by Darci Kaina batted both in.
The Waveriders eked out their final run in the top sixth. Caitlyn Nakamura singled and stole second, then two consecutive walks sent her home. Waiakea added two more runs in the bottom frame, at which point the officials called the game.
Aiona went three-for-four to score three runs and bat in four — hitting two doubles and the homer. Kodani went four-for-five to score two runs and bat one in — hitting four singles.
Nakamura went two-four-two with a hit-by-pitch to score one run and lead Kealakehe at bat.
The outing saw major action in the field, with the game’s only strikeout by either team recorded in the top fifth inning by WHS’ Brianne Felipe, who pitched relief for Kaitlyn Miura.
The Waveriders will seek redemption on their homefield at 11 a.m. Saturday against Honoka‘a High School.
The Warriors will also return to play Saturday at 11 a.m., with an away match against Pahoa High School at Pahoa Recreational Center.