KAPA’A — Warrior head softball coach Rory Rayno had a premonition before yesterday’s doubleheader against Waimea, which turned out to be reality as Kapa’a thumped Waimea, 10-9 and 13-4.
“I told my wife at the Kaua’i/Kapa’a basketball game on Friday night that if the Kapa’a JV team can come back, we can do it too,” Rayno said.
The Warrior JV team inspired the softball coach with an overtime win over Kaua’i on Friday night, thanks to big free throws by Matt Lindsey.
“I also told her that anything can happen and I said that I felt an upset,” Rayno said.
The Warriors, who haven’t won two games in an entire season in a long time, broke through with a rewarding experience that will fill up their stomachs.
“I’ll take them out to dinner. We’re going to Kintaro,” Rayno said.
Kaua’i assistant coach Darrell Borrero was sitting in the stands during the two games and held back a sly smile after the game.
“All we need is one win to clinch the title,” Borrero said after the game.
However, the Warriors are still in the second-round chase after eliminating the Menehune from championship contention yesterday.
“We still have a shot at the title, and I told the girls that we still have some work to do, but it’s exciting for them and our coaching staff. We’re stoked,” Rayno said.
If Kaua’i wins on Wednesday against Kapa’a, they will clinch the KIF title for the second year in a row.
Yesterday, the Warriors utilized a strong hitting attack combined with clever mound work by Stephanie Kawamura, who took both wins. Waimea’s Cassie Koerte suffered the loss.
At the plate, Kapa’a was paced by Maka Ferreira (2-3), Jocelyn Enrique (2-4), Cassie Mundon (3-4, grand slam, 4 RBI’s), Loke Manaku (1-3), and Ella Arume (1-3).
Moani Durant (1-5), Kelsie Igne (3-4), Kanoe Carveiro (2-4), Syann Sagawa (1-4), Tatum Gonsalves (1-4), and Ariel Mizumoto (1-4) led Waimea in the batter’s box.
In the second contest, Kapa’a pounded out eight hits and 13 runs, thanks to Kawamura (1-2), Enrique (4-4, 4 runs, 4 RBI’s), Mundon (2-3, 2B, 3 RBI’s), Manaku (1-1), Leilani Laranio (1-2), and Arume (1-2).
Waimea’s batting leaders were Durant (3-4), Koerte (1-4), and Carveiro (1-2).
KIF softball continues on Wednesday, with Kaua’i battling Kapa’a at Isenberg Field, starting at 5:30 p.m.
KIF Softball Standings
*Kaua’i: 8-1 (3-0, second round)
2) Waimea: 5-4 (1-3, second round)
3) Kapa’a: 2-9 (2-3, second round)
*denotes first round champs
Next: Kapa’a at Kaua’i, Wed.
