Playoff triumphs for Cowgirls, Vik Queens, and Warriors: Each team secures victory; Kealakehe claims victory in Game 1
The Big Island Interscholastic Federation softball semifinals continued to heat up on both sides of the island, with action set to resume this morning in Hilo town.
First-seeded Kohala softball demonstrated resilience despite a rain delay, storming back from a 7-0 deficit in Game 1 of the DII semifinals against No. 4 Pahoa. Kicking things into high gear when play resumed Thursday, they clawed their way to a thrilling 19-14 victory. Kailani Valenzuela-Conte shone with four hits and four RBIs, including a home run, and Faith Alejandro-Cazimero added three. The win set Kohala up for the championship series against their east-side rivals, Kamehameha-Hawaii, next week after downing Pahoa 13-9 in Game 2.
In the DI semifinals, top-seeded Hilo softball continued their dominance, blanking Kea'au for the second game in a row. The Vik Queens won 17-0 in just four innings, and now boast a perfect 10-0 season and a staggering 90-9 scoreline against opponents. Hilo standout Madison Waiki led the way with three home runs and five RBIs, bolstered by strong performances from Kaylie Caceres, Mackenzie Valentin, and Molly Davi, each with three hits. Next up for the Vik Queens is the winner of the No. 2 Waiakea and No. 3 Kealakehe matchup, with the championship on the horizon.
Meanwhile, No. 2 KSH reigned supreme over No. 3 Honoka'a in four innings, blasting the visitors 21-4. Kealohi Ili excelled for the Lady Warriors with four hits and seven RBIs, including a home run. KSH has now clinched a spot in the DII title game against Kohala, awaiting the outcome of their rivals' game with Kamehameha-Hawaii.
In the ongoing DI semifinals, third-seeded Kealakehe faced off against No. 2 Waiakea in Hilo, with the Lady 'Riders scoring 11 runs at the top of the fifth inning to secure a hard-fought 21-11 win. Rhianna Joaquin led Kealakehe with four RBIs, including a home run, and the Lady 'Riders will aim to advance to the title series when they take on Waiakea again this morning.
Now that you're up to speed with the BIIF softball semifinals, don't forget to set your alarms and catch all the exciting action this morning in Hilo town!
(Referenced sources: 1 - Big Island Now: Kona Academy, Section 2 Basketball Champions, 2 - Hawaii Tribune Herald: Second-seeded KS-H breezes into BIIF softball semifinals after Honoka'a calls it quits, 3 - Big Island Now: Kohala storms back, completes sweep in BIIF DII softball championship game, 4 - West Hawaii Today: BIIF softball playoffs: Seeds set after regular-season finale)
- The DI baseball semifinals are also part of the BIIF sports schedule, set to resume this morning in Hilo town, just like the softball semifinals.
- In contrast to softball, the baseball semifinals could be affected by the weather, as rain delays are not uncommon during these interscholastic matches.
- Tiani, a passionate baseball fan, is excited to watch the semifinals, especially the game between Kohala and KSH, as she grew up watching them play softball and baseball in their backyard.
- Biif, a new sports app, offers real-time updates and scores for the BIIF softball and baseball semifinals, making it easier for fans like Tiani to keep up with the action.
