LIHUE — Kapaa High School pitcher Leipua Kaui smacked a two-run homer to fuel the Warrior drive against Kauai High School on Wednesday evening during the Kauai Interscholastic Federation softball game at Isenberg Park.
The bang into deep left-center field pushed shortstop Tia Takasaki across the plate, and the Warriors took a 3-0 lead in the third innning before officials stopped the game because of fading daylight.
Earlier in the inning, Kapaa’s Shailee Telles-Kelekoma scored on an double by Takasaki.
Overhead, the skies darkened over the field of spectators who filled both sides of the stands as drops of rain started to fall over the excitement and officials huddled to discuss the situation.
A 30-minute delay was called to allow park officials to get the lights on. The decision sent droves of spectators scampering for late-day meals while basketball players in the neighboring courts were bathed in light during their evening practice.
The delay was pushed into a “postponed until further notice” after officials could not ignite the softball field lights.
“They wanted to play the game Thursday,” said Lisa Lemi, KIF scorekeeper. “But they don’t know if they have enough officials to resume the game. The game is just postponed until further notice.”
When play resumes, it will start at the top of the third inning with Kapaa at bat, one out and runners at first and second bases. Kapaa, holding a 1-1 record following Saturday’s split against Waimea, holds the lead in the postponed game at 3-0.
“This is the second postponed game of the season,” said Kevin Cadiente, Kauai trainer. “The game Kauai was suppose to play against Waimea to open the season last Wednesday was also called off after rains made the Waimea Canyon Park unplayable.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.