TGI Sports Editor Albette Nawai allowed only three hits and two walks in seven innings to blank the Kapa’a Warriors 3-0 in the first game of Saturday’s double-header at Kapa’a Ball Park. The Menehunes, who already locked up the first
TGI Sports Editor
Albette Nawai allowed only three hits and two walks in seven innings to blank the Kapa’a Warriors 3-0 in the first game of Saturday’s double-header at Kapa’a Ball Park.
The Menehunes, who already locked up the first round of KIF softball with two wins over Kaua’i last week, improved to 5-0, the Warriors dropped to 1-4.
Kapa’a pitcher Charisse Labuguen evaded trouble all day, leaving seven runners on base in the first five innings — four of them in scoring position.
But the Menehunes were able to crack the scoreless seal in the fifth, after Waimea DH Bridget Louis sent a grounder to left to score lead-off hitter Shenelle DePeralta.
Labuguen fell into more trouble in the seventh.
Waimea’s Ashley Mier hit an RBI single to send Ann Gucwa Bucasas home, and moments later, Destinie “Maka” Keamoai would send Mier home from first with a double to deep left.
Kapa’a 1, Waimea 0 (12 inn.)
It was fitting that Kapa’a pitcher Tiana Laranio scored the 12th inning, game winning run to lift the Warriors to a 1-0 win over the Waimea Menehunes.
With the brilliance she showed on the mound in the second game of Saturday’s double-header, Laranio deserved to be the one to hand Waimea its first conference loss.
In a pitcher’s duel nearly matched by Waimea’s Bridget Louis, Laranio struck out eight, allowed no runs or walks and gave up only five hits in 12 innings to ensure a Warrior victory.
Louis had an equally successful afternoon with four K’s and 11 scoreless innings, but once a Tierra Rapozo single sent Laranio to third, Louis’ arm was shot. Her next pitch sailed past catcher Keamoai and Laranio ran home for the win.
