Waimea takes final two from Kapa‘a

KAPA‘A — That’s a wrap! The 2005 KIF softball ended yesterday at Kapa‘a Ballpark with the Menehune winning the final two games, 8-1 and 12-1.

The lone senior on Kapa‘a’s roster, Moana “Mojo” DeSilva had a pretty good send off with a couple of great defensive plays in the outfield.

With the KIF title all wrapped up by Kaua‘i High School, yesterday’s double dip between Kapa‘a and Waimea gave us a glimpse of the future of KIF softball.

The Warriors, the youngest team in the KIF will bring back everyone from their roster, except for DeSilva, who will be missed for her great work ethic and attitude.

Stephanie Kawamura and Chasarae Laboguen will lead the Kapa‘a pitching staff next season, with Shantel Wong behind the plate.

Hanalei Gomes, Ella Arume, Maka Ferreira, Cassie Mundon, Chanita Makanui, Mele Tongamoa, Kiani Jaramilla-Taum, and Kennilyn Nakamura will all be back to lead a tough Warrior squad next season.

For Waimea, they will lose Melissa Moreno, who should make it to the next level, Kodi Oyama, a slick-fielding catcher, and Daelene Perreira, the heart and soul of the Meneune this past season.

KIF champion Kaua‘i High School came into this season favored and took the title away from the Menehune, but they will also lose some key individuals at key positions.

For one, the Red Raiders will miss Ulu Kelekoma, who dominated behind the plate and offensively as well. Cousin Sheri Gebauer, Kaua‘i’s ace will be missed and so will their motor, A.J. Silva, who makes grown men cry with her terrifying scowl.

Also graduating this season are Jenna Mercado, a timely hitter and Jordan Ramboyan, who put in the effort everytime she took the field. Ashley “No-knocks” Nonaka is also a senior and her tenacity at first-base will be sorely missed by the ladies in red.

The 2005 HHSAA State Softball Division I Championships goes from Feb. 9-12 at the UH Wahine Softball Stadium.