Taylor “Kawehi” Ephan, coming through on the back end of two straight home runs to push Waimea High School to the state Division II softball title, was named the Player of the Year when the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation announced its
Taylor “Kawehi” Ephan, coming through on the back end of two straight home runs to push Waimea High School to the state Division II softball title, was named the Player of the Year when the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation announced its Softball All-Star team.
Ephan, in addition to being the Player of the Year, filled in the catcher position.
Waimea filled in seven of the 10 positions as well as its coach, Teddy Perreira, who was named Coach of the Year for taking the Menehune through an undefeated season, ending 15-0 and coaching the girls to the Division II state crown.
Kapa‘a, despite having no all-stars, did have several strong players in consideration.
Ulu Matagiese, being named co-Most Valuable Player in the Division II all-tournament team, secured a spot in the outfield, being joined by fellow Menehune Bailey San Agustin-Nordmeier and Red Raider outfielder Khaya Bunao.
Kaua‘i placed three players on the KIF all-stars, Bunao being joined by Kyana Hirokane at second base and Ka‘a La‘mea getting the nod as utility player.
Deanna Tafiti, who silently grit her teeth through three games at the Division II championships before finally succumbing to pain and exhaustion, got the nod for pitcher opposite Ephan as catcher.
Cassandra Dupree, coming through with several clutch hits in the season, got the nod for first base and Krysta Kali, igniting the fireworks in the state championship game in the sixth inning, got the nod for third base with Sienna Santiago getting the vote for shortstop.
