WAIMEA — An error in the waning minutes of a time limit game opened the doors for Kaua’i High School as the Red Raiders edged the Campbell Sabers 2-0 when the dust settled. Jessica Iwata, one of two freshmen on
WAIMEA — An error in the waning minutes of a time limit game opened the doors for Kaua’i High School as the Red Raiders edged the Campbell Sabers 2-0 when the dust settled.
Jessica Iwata, one of two freshmen on the Kaua’i lineup, drew first base on a walk, and after advancing to third on a fullbase situation, scored as Samantha Koga’s hit resulted in an infield Campbell error.
Ku’ulei Manintin, coming off a double on her last bat, cranked an RBI single for the insurance run as Wailana Borrero, the Raiders’ winning pitcher, and Koga crossed the plate on the time limit victory.
Kaua’i was the only local team to chalk up a victory as action opened Thursday morning at the 20th Annual Waimea High Thanksgiving Softball Tournament.
Earlier in the morning, Waimea, armed with an impressive hitting performance at the recent Mililani tournament, was held at bay by Punahou who finished with a 7-3 victory.
Kapa’a was victimized by Sacred Hearts, 9-0, in another time -limit game.
The Mililani Trojans, defending Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) champions, and one of the 13 teams participating in the tournament, rolled behind a perfect 3-for-3 appearance by Casey Sugihara who included an in-the-park, 3-run home run.
The Trojans tamed the Kaimuki Bulldogs, 10-1 in a four-inning shortened game to open the tournament.
Kaimuki rebounded in their second contest as they edged the Hilo Vikings, 5-3 in their second contest, Hilo earlier nosing out King Kekaulike, 5-4.
The annual tournament will continue through Saturday afternoon with pool play continuing up until the championship game which is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. and feature the winners of both Pool A and Pool B.
Campbell, the winner of the recent Mililani tournament, Kaua’i, Kapa’a, Moanalua, and Sacred Hearts make up Pool A.
Hilo, the sole BIIF entry, Kaimuki, King Kekaulike, the sole MIL entry, Maryknoll, Mililani, Punahou, and Waimea make up Pool B.
Tournament directors said that this year’s 20th anniversary is dedicated to former Waimea High School head coach Albert Soto, the tournament’s founder, former Roosevelt High School head coach Peter Haliniak, and former Menehune head coach Pat Baniaga.
“These three men saw a vision and took it from first to home in no time. They saw rewarding experience of softball and tournament play on Kaua’i, and shared it statewide, by invitation, with enthusiasm, style, and class,” the leaders said.
“Since 1985 until now, this anxiously awaited occasion reminds us of so many blessings to count on, and memories to cherish.”
“It only takes a moment to perform a kindness, but its impact can last a lifetime. Thank you once again, to our founders, and coaches, to give us a time of the year dedicated to the sport we love: softball!”
