Despite the on and off again rain yesterday, Kaua‘i High School took the first game, 12-0 in five innings at Isenberg Field, behind good pitching from senior ace Sheri Gebauer, who quieted Warrior bats from the start. In the second
Despite the on and off again rain yesterday, Kaua‘i High School took the first game, 12-0 in five innings at Isenberg Field, behind good pitching from senior ace Sheri Gebauer, who quieted Warrior bats from the start.
In the second contest, the Red Raiders pounced on the Warriors early on with eight first inning runs.
But after four innings, the game was called and rescheduled to a later date, with Kaua‘i up 13-0.
“The wind blew hard in the first game, which gave Sheri some extra speed in her pitches,” Kaua‘i coach Darell Borrero said.
Gebauer blew through the Warrior batting lineup, allowing just two hits in the five inning game, shortened by the 10-run rule.
On the other mound, Chasarae Laboguen of Kapa‘a had a rough time with the Kaua‘i lineup, who managed to get 10 hits in the first game.
Ashley Nonaka, Gebauer, Darcie Allianic, and Jenna Mercado all had two hits each for the Kaua‘i cause.
Gebauer had the hottest bat with two doubles.
Ulu Kelekoma and Sam Koga combined for two hits and four runs for the Red Raiders. Allianic, Mercado, Koga, and Kirchner, also crossed the plate for Kaua‘i.
Maka Ferreira and Kenna Nakamura led Kapa‘a at the plate with a hit apiece.
In the second game, Krystal Ijima and Mercado led the way for the Red Raiders, with two hits each.
On the mound, Allianic kept the Warriors off the bases for four innings.
In the meantime, Kapa‘a’s Stephanie Kawamura had trouble controlling her pitches. Kaua‘i’s Shana Tafiti ripped a triple, along with her three RBI’s, and three runs. Mercado and Ijima combined for three RBI’s and two runs.
KIF softball continues on Wednesday, January 19, with Kaua‘i traveling to Waimea Canyon Ballpark to face the Menehune at 5:30 p.m.
Kaua‘i can clinch the KIF softball title with a win over Waimea on Wednesday, but if the Menehune prevail, they will control their own destiny for the second round title.
Also, if they can get past Kapa‘a in the final game at January 22, they will be crowned the second round champions and force a championship showdown with the first round champion Red Raider squad.
The Hawai‘i High School state softball tournament will be held on O‘ahu at the University of Hawai‘i Wahine Softball Stadium from February 9-12.
