Waiakea stages late comeback, secures spot in today's softball finals
Title: Waiakea's Dramatic Comeback Secures BIIF Division I Semis Win
In the nail-biting game three of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Division I softball semifinals, second-seeded Waiakea softball turned the tables against third-seeded Kealakehe. Tucked away in Hilo town, Waiakea found themselves down 11-8 going into the bottom of the sixth, but they didn't quit. Clawing their way back, the Lady Warriors exploded with 10 runs to clinch the series 2-1 and secure their spot in today's island championship against the undefeated Hilo squad.
Entering the contest with a 5-6 record, Kealakehe wasted no time taking the lead in the opening inning. Emalia Emmsley and Katherine Keizer singled, while Zuleika Isisaki and La'i Micheli-Kaimola were hit by pitches, resulting in three RBIs for the Lady 'Riders.
Undeterred, the Lady Warriors battled back. Kaelyn Sewake, Lexi Santiago, and Tehani Chinen strung together singles to fuel their comeback attempt. Santiago and Chinen each tallied RBI singles in the bottom of the third, giving Waiakea a brief 8-5 lead.
In true keystone cop fashion, Kealakehe responded with a six-run fourth inning. Isisaki belted an RBI double to drive in two runs, pushing the teams' score to 11-8 in favor of the Lady ‘Riders.
The momentum swung back to Waiakea with the bottom of the sixth. Santiago unleashed a three-run homer to left field, marking the start of the evening's grand slam party for the Lady Warriors. Kicking their offense into high gear, Waiakea logged 15 hits to Kealakehe's nine, securing a 19-11 victory and advancing to the championship.
Waiakea's standout players included Santiago, Chinen, and Meghan Spencer with three hits apiece. Spencer also earned the win in the pitcher's circle, striking out four while allowing nine hits and 11 runs. Her 2024-25 season boasts a 4-1 record, a 4.58 ERA, and 22 strikeouts. Kitchener Kaneshiro contributed two hits to the Lady Warriors' success.
Kealakehe's casualty list includes Emmsley, Kaizer, and Jalia Akamu with two hits each. Isisaki led the way in the pitcher's circle for the Lady 'Riders.
Waiakea's final challenge awaits against the Vik Queens at 1 p.m. this afternoon at Kealakehe High School. The Lady Warriors have yet to taste victory against their local rivals this season, holding a 0-2 record.
The stage is set for BIIF Division II action, with the championship between No. 1 Kohala and No. 2 Kamehameha-Hawaii getting underway at 11 a.m. this morning at Kealakehe High School. Additionally, the DII third-place matchup between No. 4 Pahoa and No. 3 Honoka'a will unfold on the Hamakua Coast at 3 p.m. this afternoon.
Stay tuned for more exciting BIIF softball updates!
- Despite being third-seeded, the Waveriders' strong start in the game could have potentially secured them a spot in the championship, but the dramatic comeback by Waiakea's softball team denied them that opportunity.
- The Hamakua region, home to Waiakea, witnessed the Lady Warriors activate their fighting spirit after finding themselves down against the Lady 'Riders, ultimately emerging victorious.
- Joaquin, presumably a player on Kealakehe's softball team, had a significant impact on the game with two hits, but it wasn't enough to secure a win.
- As Waiakea prepares to face the undefeated Hilo squad in the island championship today, they'll strive to turn their BIIF Division I softball success into a baseball-like winning streak, emulating the dominance of the sport achieved by the Hilo squad in baseball.
