Kaua’i takes round two lead with sweep

KAPA’A — The Kaua’i Red Raiders jumped to a one-game advantage in Round Two with a sweep of the Kapa’a Warriors Friday at the New Kapa’a Ball Park.

Kapa’a suffered at the hands of Waimea on Wednesday, and at Friday’s double-header was strapped for manpower as the dugout was empty when the Warriors took the field.

However, the Lady Warriors managed a hit in their 12-0 opening loss, and scored Leilani Laranio off a Raider miscue in game two’s 15-1 final showing that wrapped up after six innings due to the TKO Rule. Game one finished in five innings, also on the TKO ruling.

Makaleka Ferreira was the sole Warrior to get a hit off pitcher Wailana Borrero, who combined with Darcie Allianic for the first-game win. Ku’ulei Manintin went the distance for Kaua’i in game two’s victory.

Kapa’a’s Stephanie Kawamura, filling the leadoff batter’s slot, suffered the losses.

The victory sets the stage for a showdown against Waimea Wednesday, Jan. 4 at Isenberg Field. A Menehune win will give both teams a 2-0 second-round standing, but Waimea will be faced with the loss of shortstop Shana Tafiti, who was sidelined on crutches in their outing against Kapa’a last Wednesday.

Additionally, the Raider bats continued to swing Friday as they were led by Allianic, who went 2-for-4, including a homerun and a pair of RBIs, in game one . Jessica Iwata, Borrero, Randi Oketani, Samantha Koga, and Cherisse Simeona all had singles in the victory.

Red Raider centerfielder Robin Jose had the performance in the box for game two as she finished 3-for-4 with an RBI while Allianic tripled to drive at least a pair of RBIs in the fourth inning that saw Kaua’i finish the frame with six runs on three hits and a trio of Kapa’a errors.

Other Kaua’i hitters in game two included Borrero (2-4), Manintin (2-5), Oketani (2-2), Angela Kirchner, and Koga who each had a hit apiece.

Kapa’a finished game two with hits coming from Jocelyn Enrique, Ferreira, and Tyra-Lynn Hepa.