Much has been written about the upcoming Kaua’i Interscholastic Federation round-robin tournaments in baseball and girls’ basketball. Action in each begins Saturday. But there are other state-tournament slots being vied for this day. The KIF tennis qualifier begins at 8
Much has been written about the upcoming Kaua’i Interscholastic Federation round-robin tournaments in baseball and girls’ basketball. Action in each begins Saturday.
But there are other state-tournament slots being vied for this day.
The KIF tennis qualifier begins at 8 a.m. at Kiahuna Tennis Club. Where traditionally four singles players and four doubles teams have qualified for state competition, this year only two of each will make it.
“With the strike, things had to be reduced,” Kaua’i girls coach Margo Hashimoto said. “So, it’s really competitive now in all areas.”
In some areas more than others, truthfully. In the realm of girls doubles,
the Red Raiders look solid.
In fact, Kareen Konishi and Tiana Lum-Tucker, yet to be seriously challenged in the KIF, likely will garner a number two seed at the state tournament, Hashimoto said.
“They should do really well at the state level,” the coach said. “They should score some points for our team.”
As may Kaua’i’s number two doubles team of Amy Surratt and Rena Kido.
“They’ve been playing really well and will be quite good,” Hashimoto said.
In singles play, Kaua’i’s Tracie Naganuma and Kapa’a’s Serina Roush are likely the girls to watch.
The boys’ draw is a bit tougher to predict. The consensus is that Kapa’a’s Ed Roessler will represent the KIF at the number one spot. The other singles slot is up for grabs. It may go to Kaua’i’s Chris Colacino or Waimea’s Ricky Riopta.
“The boys are a little harder to decipher,” Hashimoto said. “It should make for some good tennis.”
Kaua’i’s Sean Moura and Kesson Yamamoto should lay claim to the number one doubles spot. The Red Raiders could also notch slot number two with Ronald Hosaka and Stan Hashimoto.
Waimea could challenge in the form of Cyrus Tumbaga and Ryan Kakuda, while Kapa’a may put up a fight with Seth Marushige and Darren Lacaden.
But the team of Konishi and Lum-Tucker will serve as the island’s true chance for state tennis recognition.
“Kareen and Tiana have been playing together all through high school,” Hashimoto said. “They both come from tennis families. They’ve got that skill in their blood.
“But more importantly, they’ve been taught etiquette and they have the right attitude.”
Hashimoto said the two have benefitted from the off-season coaching of Lawrence MacNeill, the Hyatt Regency’s teaching pro.
