HILO —Hilo High’s softball team handled business against local rival Waiakea on Wednesday, winning 8-2 at Walter Victor. The Lady Vikings remained undefeated at 6-0, while the Lady Warriors dropped to 4-2. It was the second time the hosts have beaten Waiakea this season.
Hilo posted nine hits to Waiakea’s seven. Lady Viking second baseman Vaiqueen Porter led her team with three hits and three RBI, including the game’s only homer. Shortstop Mackenzie Valentin and first baseman Kylie Kaniaupio each posted two hits for Hilo, while left fielder Jeyla Bettis-Shigeishi and pitcher Molly Davi logged one each.
In the circle, Davi was the Lady Vikings’ sole pitcher — allowing seven hits and two runs while striking out 11.
Through six games, Hilo has out-scored opponents 36-4, which includes three shutouts. Valentin leads the group in hits, runs and doubles. Davi leads the team in in RBI, innings pitched, wins and strikeouts.
The Lady Warriors were led by center fielder Meghan Spencer and catcher Kaelyn Sewake with two hits each, followed by first baseman Tehani Chinen, catcher Kaitlyn Miura and left fielder R. Dekoning with one apiece.
Miura was the team’s only pitcher in the circle, striking out nine. She leads the team in innings pitched and strikeouts.
The Lady Vikings return to the field against Kea‘au at 3 p.m. this afternoon on the road, while Waiakea returns against Ka‘u on Monday afternoon in Pahala.
Hilo 2, Waiakea 1
Hilo baseball won its fourth straight game after edging local rival Waiakea 2-1 on Wednesday night at Wong Stadium. It was the second time the two teams have met this season after the Vikings beat the Warriors 6-4 on March 7.
Hilo elevated to a 5-2 overall record, while Waiakea dropped to 4-3-1.
Viking Axel Akau went 2-for-3 at the plate, while teammate Talus Sato logged a 1-for-2 performance. Hilo’s Tyson Santiago was named the game’s winning pitcher.
Through seven games, the Vikings have out-scored opponents 44-19. Jaydon Geraci leads Hilo in hits, Kamren Agpalza in runs and Talus Soto in RBI. The team has three regular season games remaining before the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) playoffs begin.
The Vikings return to the diamond against the Cougars at 3 p.m. Friday at Kea‘au High School.
The Warriors have lost two straight, and will look to redeem themselves against Kea‘au on Monday on the road.
Kohala 29, Ka‘u 0
Kohala softball continued its streak of scoring 18-or-more runs in every game played this season, blasting the hosting Ka‘u Lady Trojans 29-0 on Wednesday in Pahala. The Cowgirls remained unbeaten at 5-0, while Ka‘u fell to a winless 0-5.
Kohala’s bats were on fire all afternoon, including a 13-run first inning. The game was called after three innings.
The Cowgirls had three players go yard with home runs — shortstop Kailani Valenzuela-Conte (six RBI), pitcher Kalia Marquez (two hits) and first baseman Faith Alejandro-Cazimero (five RBI). Teammate Loryn Rose-Carvalho added two hits, while right fielder Mahea Pang, third baseman Malie Karratti and center fielder Sydnie Marquez logged one hit each.
Kalia Marquez was named the game’s winning pitcher, allowing no hits and runs while striking out two. Raine Cazimero also saw time in the circle.
The Lady Trojans posted just two base hits.
Kohala continues to be one of the state’s high-powered offensive teams, out-scoring opponents 86-25 through five games. The Cowgirls next test will be against the Lady Daggers on Monday in Pahoa town.
Ka‘u will next face Waiakea on Monday at home.
Kohala 9, Ka‘u 4
Kohala baseball won its first game of the year Wednesday afternoon against Ka‘u, leaving Pahala with a 9-4 victory.
The Cowboys improved to 1-6, while the Trojans fell to 0-7.
The paper was unable to find a stat sheet for this matchup by deadline.
Kohala will next match up with Pahoa for the second time this season, slated for Monday afternoon on the road. When the two schools last played, the Daggers won 7-2.
Ka‘u will next host Hawaii Preparatory Academy at 1 p.m. Saturday in Pahala, looking to get its first win of the year. The Trojans are 0-2 against Ka Makani this season.
