As voted by the coaches, this year’s Kauai Interscholastic Federation softball all stars have been selected. Of the 11 players’ slots in the all-star list, nine are filled with names of players from Waimea High School. “It’s not only me
As voted by the coaches, this year’s Kauai Interscholastic Federation softball all stars have been selected.
Of the 11 players’ slots in the all-star list, nine are filled with names of players from Waimea High School.
“It’s not only me that picks them. It’s the other coaches that pick them, too,” said Waimea head coach Teddy Perreira. “The girls, they stepped up in the second round. They started playing better than (how they played) in the first round.”
The girl who was chosen as this year’s best is also from Waimea. Menehune senior catcher Karlyee Rye Malapit was named this year’s Player of the Year. She couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday.
Perreira said Malapit stood out, not only because of her production on the field, but she was also a leader with the Menehune team, which won this year’s KIF softball championship and placed fourth at the DataHouse Softball Championships — Division II state tournament.
“I think she had over 20 RBIs this year. I’m not sure, but she had a lot of RBIs,” Perreira said. “She’s very vocal on the field and always communicating with the girls — always pushing the girls and trying to get them fired up.”
Kauai High School freshman Tia Takasaki made the all star roster as an outfielder. Takasaki couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday.
“Tia is a freshman, so she’s new to us. But she played a big role for us,” said Red Raiders head coach Elena Kealoha about Takasaki. “She’s super talented. She’s an outfielder, but she’s also a good shortstop, a good pitcher and she can hit as well. … She’s definitely one that we’re going to push for college. That’s for sure.”
Kapaa senior Aliyah Cummings made the roster as a utility player. Cummings couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday.
“Her ability to steal bases is what probably got her votes,” said Kauai assistant coach Scott Kaui about Cummings. “She’s very fast, and she knows the game. She has a lot of experience as a base runner. … Once she got on base, she was a major threat to score a run.
Perreira was named Coach of the Year.
“The girls make us look good. I’ll give credit to the girls,” Perreira said.
KIF Softball All Stars
Pitcher: Kiani Kamakea, senior, Waimea
Catcher: Karlyee Rye Malapit, senior, Waimea
First baseman: Deannalynn Tafiti, senior, Waimea
Second baseman: Starlynn Ripley, freshman, Waimea
Third baseman: Alyssa Miyamoto, junior, Waimea
Shortstop: Saecha Padasdao-Oyamot, junior, Waimea
Outfield: Shania Rita, sophomore, Waimea
Outfield: Caysha Goias-Soares, junior, Waimea
Outfield: Tia Takasaki, freshman, Kauai
Utility: Aliyah Cummings, senior, Kapaa
Player of the Year: Karlyee Rye Malapit, Waimea
Coach of the Year: Teddy Perreira, Waimea
