The Kaua‘i High School girls softball team is poised to fulfill its ultimate goal of a state title when they head to Honolulu for the Hawaii High School Athletic Association tournament, beginning on Tuesday, May 12. The Red Raiders, now
The Kaua‘i High School girls softball team is poised to fulfill its ultimate goal
of a state title when they head to Honolulu for the
Hawaii High School
Athletic Association tournament, beginning on Tuesday, May 12.
The Red Raiders, now five-time defending Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation champions, have been to the title game the past two seasons, only to fall short of the top prize. Head coach Darrell Borrero knows that this group will not be nervous about once again playing in the spotlight.
“Two years ago in our first title game, we were a bit overwhelmed,” he said. “We were just happy to be there. Last year we knew that we belonged. We know what it takes and that we need to finish strong and make the routine plays.”
The team is made up of a mix of veterans and young players. After graduating three key position players from last year’s team, some new faces needed to step up and contribute right away.
Coach Borrero pointed out catcher Carly Matsumoto, who played a big part in the team’s success all season.
“Carly was willing to work hard every day, coming out to work on weekends,” he said. “She was pretty much a savior this season.”
They also had to fill gaps at third base and right field with younger players, but this team is still led by five seniors who are all very familiar with the championship scene, having won the KIF crown each of their four seasons.
“We feel lucky that
we’ve been able to make it
all four years,” said senior Jori Jasper.
However, they have now made the determination that this season will not end like the past two.
“Showing up at the championship two years in a row and losing, this is our last shot,” said senior Alyssa Carvalho.
Carvalho shouldn’t have much of a problem getting her team riled up and ready to go, as she was named “Miss Spirit” by the other students in her senior class.
Kaua‘i, which finished 11-1 this season, has developed strong bonds in the clubhouse but had to work on its chemistry all season.
“Like any sports team, there are good days and bad,” said coach Borrero. “But like anything else, winning cures everything.”
The team feels it has gotten past any lingering issues and has come together at the right time.
“We came a long way as a team,” said senior Jessica Iwata. “We might have started off rocky, but it’s all about the ride.”
Hoping to bring the team even closer before they make their journey to Honolulu, coach Borrero will be taking the team up to Koke‘e this weekend for a bonding trip. It won’t just be a vacation, however, as they plan on practicing.
Since playing its last game on Wednesday, April 30, Kaua‘i has continued to stay sharp, but coach Borrero admits that even a great practice is no substitute for live game action.
“We had an even longer break last year,” said senior Waileia Kanealii.
Skill plus experience is always a good combination and Kaua‘i seems to have plenty of each. They have prepared themselves to bring the HHSAA crown back to the island.
“I think we’ll be ready,” said coach Borrero.
