KAILUA-KONA — The Kamehameha Schools – Hawai‘i softball team defeated Honoka‘a High School in two straight games, Thursday and Friday afternoon, to win the BIIF DII title for the first time since 2019 — before any of its players were on the team.
KSH head coach Akea Kiyuna said that despite the series sweep and dominant, 12-1 season, her players have remained humble.
“I dont’ think it’s really hit them yet that they’re the BIIF Champions,” she said. “They are a very humble group of girls, they contain their excitement a little bit. I think they know how much of a game it was (on Friday), they had to fight seven innings to earn it.”
The BIIF victory was a milestone for the team, who took it upon themselves to foster a positive and encouraging team dynamic throughout the season.
“They’re great at picking each other up,” Kiyuna said. “In a team sport, I can’t teach that as a coach. In all of our travel and the activities they’ve done off the field, it’s helped them grow as a team — and it’s fed into what they show on the field.”
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DII GAME ONE: KSH 11 – HnHS 1
On Thursday, KSH routed the Dragons — plating six runs in the bottom fifth to end the outing.
Things seemed hopeful for Honoka‘a in the top first. After the first batter flew out and the second grounded out — the Dragons took advantage of a dropped third strike and two infield errors to load the bases. However, another groundout stranded all three.
In the bottom first, Emily Hora led off with a single. Napua Ho bunted out to advance Hora, who then scored on Kahiwa Ili’s sacrifice fly before a flyout ended the frame.
The Warriors gradually built up their lead — plating a run in the second, a run in the third and two in the fourth. In the bottom fourth, Anela Reyes led with a single, then was batted in by Hora — who tripled on a line drive to right field, then scored as Ho bunted into a fielder’s choice.
Honoka‘a notched its first run in the top fifth. Maile Espejo led with a single, then advanced on an error during a putout attempt after the second batter popped out. Espejo was batted in by Sunny Akau, who hit an infield grounder and reached on an error.
After KSH scored six runs in the bottom fifth, the game was called.
Rebekah Sipinga led the Warriors at the plate — going three-for-three to bat in a run and score two. Rhian Ogawa also went three-for-three, scoring one run. Ili led in RBIs with three.
In her five innings on the mound — Hora surrendered no earned runs on four hits and no walks, striking out four.
Despite the loss, the Dragons had some highlights in the box — with Akau and Danica Valera each hitting doubles.
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DII GAME TWO: KSH 13 I HnHS 4
The Warriors defeated the Dragons for the second straight game to win the series, though not as easily as the first time.
“Honoka‘a gave us a run for our money,” Kiyuna said, “they made us earn every run, and they earned every run that they scored.”
KSH went to bat first, and got things rolling with three runs in the first inning.
Honoka‘a responded with one run in the bottom frame. Kailana Kanekoa led off with a double — and scored when Akau hit an infield grounder, which was errored, allowing her to reach.
“The score does not show how much heart (the Dragons) put into this game,” Kiyuna said. “They fought every single inning and they really did make our girls have to earn both wins.”
In the top second, the Warriors plated two more runs. Hora notched her second leadoff double of the outing, then scored during the next at-bat when Ho’s infield grounder was errored. Ho reached second on that error, and advanced to third as the next batter popped out — before Tia Tanimoto sacrifice bunted for a RBI.
KSH plated another run in the top third and two more in the top fifth — shutting the Dragons out until the bottom sixth, when they scored three runs.
After the leadoff popped out, Akau walked and was batted in by Aaliyah Cawagas’ double. Charla Pajimola reached on an error, then Kanai Tolentino doubled on a left field grounder to bat her in. Pajimola scored on a wild pitch before another popout ended the frame.
The Warriors returned with a five-run seventh inning, which was highlighted by Ili’s two-RBI double — her third double of the outing.
Ili went four-for-five with three RBI to lead the Warriors at the plate. Sipinga trailed, going three-for-three and scoring three runs. Hora went three-for-five, batting in a run and scoring three.
Kanekoa led Honoka‘a in the box, going two-for-three with a walk.
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STATE PLAYOFFS
KSH and Honoka‘a both earned berths in the HHSAA DII playoffs, which start Tuesday on O‘ahu. KSH might receive a first-round bye, and begin play in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
The Dragons will likely begin play on Tuesday in the first round.
“We need to get ready for varying pitches from the other teams,” Kiyuna said. “A lot of the teams have really good movement and spin on their ball, and a variety of pitches — as well as the speed of all these girls on the other teams. Not getting flustered when we face those things will be important.”
Kiyuna also said that she hopes she and her team can get a batting practice in, despite the quick turnaround and needing to be on O‘ahu by Monday.
This year, the HHSAA will allow three BIIF DII teams to compete in the state playoffs — so No.3 Kohala High School will also attend state.