KEALAKEKUA — In a battle of first-year head coaches, Monica Montijo’s Konawaena squad rode five first-inning runs on the way to a 7-1 victory on Saturday over visiting Hilo and their new coach Amber Waracka.
The Wildcats took advantage of three free bases in the bottom of the first inning, while a ground rule double off the bat of Shaylann Grace gave Konawaena an advantage the team would not relinquish.
“This was a good win for us and we were able to get everyone some playing time,” Montijo said. “We came out and everyone supported each other and that is very important to us.”
Erin Kaimuloa Bates started inside the circle for the Wildcats but she sprained her ankle when she stepped on a Hilo fielder’s foot after beating out a bunt for a single in the bottom of the opening frame. Grace, the team’s ace, took over in the second inning.
“Unfortunately Erin got injured,” Montijo said. “We were hoping to get her some time but Grace came in and did a great job. She had a dominant performance and we are lucky to have her.”
Grace was nearly unhittable in six innings of work. In fact, she allowed only one hit, a single up the middle off the bat of Hilo’s Angelina Wright in the fifth. Grace averaged two strikeouts an inning, and struck out the side in the sixth on the way to a game-high 10. She walked just two.
“She is having a solid year and expanding her knowledge of the game,” Montijo said. “She is continuing to work hard, fine tune, and take chances to make herself even a better player than she already is.”
Cassidy Ka’aua got the start of the Vikings and she went the distance in the loss, allowing seven runs and seven hits. She struck out one and walked seven.
Four of Konawaena’s hits came in the first two innings, as well as six of the seven walks by Ka’aua, which led to a 6-1 lead. Afterward, the offense struggled, never managing more than one hit in an inning.
“When you have a slower pitcher, it is tough, because everyone wants to yank it,” Montijo said. “We have been working a lot on the tee, trying to drive through the ball, and that is what we worked on today.”
Andi Uemura led the Wildcat offense with three hits. She had a double and two singles.
The Wildcats will head back to the diamond on Monday for a game at Hawaii Prep. Hilo will be on the road against Kamehameha on Wednesday. Both games start at 3 p.m.
