BIIF baseball and softball: Teams from BI suffer losses on Oahu
Sports action in Hawaii heated up on Wednesday as Big Island teams took part in the HHSAA state playoffs for baseball and softball.
Baseball
Kamehameha-Hawaii, the BIIF Division I runner-up, unfortunately suffered a 5-1 loss to Saint Louis in the opening round of the DI state bracket. The Crusaders managed six hits compared to KSH's five, with Kamakanikailialoha Kane leading the way with two hits and three RBI for Saint Louis. Levi Perry pitched a solid game for the Crusaders, striking out five while allowing just one run off four hits.
Justin Kobojiri led KSH with one hit, followed by Noah Palea, Keagan Pacheco, Kani Nettrour, and Dayton Hanson, each with one hit as well. Palea took the loss in the circle, allowing eight runs off six hits. The Crusaders advanced to the quarterfinals after the victory, while KSH played Iolani in the consolation bracket.
Softball
The fourth-seeded Hilo softball team struggled to find any momentum against Punahou, ultimately losing 10-0 in the DI quarterfinals. The Buffanblu were impressive in the game, hitting a blistering 10-1 with no errors defensively. Hilo, on the other hand, committed two errors.
Taryn Ho led Punahou with two hits, including a homer, while teammate Austen Kinney had three hits. Paige Brunn earned the win in the circle with six innings, one hit, no runs, and five strikeouts. Kaylie Carceres was the only Hilo batter to produce a hit in the game.
The Buffanblu moved on to the semifinals against Mililani, while Hilo faced Kauluwela School in the consolation bracket.
Other results saw KSH falling to Waimea in the opening round of the DII state tournament, with KSH's Kamaile Valente leading the way with a game-high four hits. The Lady Menehunes improved to 8-7 after the win.
Pahoa also unfortunately saw their season come to an end after losing 14-12 to Waialua in the consolation game. Both teams had nine hits in the game.
In a notable achievement, Olaa Brown of KSH was named the game's winning pitcher in the circle, striking out seven. Jadyn Miller and Marley Blackmore led the way with two hits each for Pahoa, followed by teammates Harlee Dicion, Irish Crowley, Aylia Sintos-Dela Cruz, Sandy Agtarap, and Blessany Meehan.
Football and baseball events were also on the calendar, as Waiakea High School advanced in the DII state tournament with a 7-6 victory over Campbell, winning a thrilling game in overtime. In football, Keaau High School, riding a three-game winning streak, clinched their spot in the Division II state championship game with a dominant 48-14 win over Radford.
