WAIMEA — The Waimea High School Menehune demonstrated what it takes to be the KIF defending champion in softball as they capitalized on Kaua‘i errors early to take a 3-0 win in the opener of Saturday’s double-header at the Waimea
WAIMEA — The Waimea High School Menehune demonstrated what it takes to be the KIF defending champion in softball as they capitalized on Kaua‘i errors early to take a 3-0 win in the opener of Saturday’s double-header at the Waimea Canyon Park.
Kaua‘i High School entered the park needing to win both games to take the first round title after sustaining an earlier 6-5 loss to Waimea in a game that went extra innings.
But, playing before a sizeable crowd that overflowed the fencelines on the leftfield side of Waimea Canyon Park, the Raiders had to settle for regrouping and getting their licks in during the second round that starts on Jan. 7 at Isenberg Park.
Sherri Gebauer, the Raiders’ pitcher opened the first frame in fine fashion, striking out Moani Durant, but the quick-moving Ashley Mier got aboard on a bunt single as Gebauer fished to get the ball out of the dirt.
Kodi Oyama followed in the Waimea batting order, and in the throwing miscues that ensued, Mier motored around the pads to score.
Daeleen Perreira doubled to leftfield scoring Oyama to give the Menehune an early 2-0 opening lead.
Melissa Moreno singled to open the fifth frame, and scored as Oyama whacked into the centerfield with two away for the final Menehune tally in the day’s opener.
Kaua‘i went down in order in the first and third innings, and could not capitalize on their base runner in the second inning as Brittney Brackenridge was left stranded after walking with two outs.
Sam Koga lit up the field in the fourth frame with a triple to right-center, but was left stranded.
Anna Quibilan nailed a single in the fifth inning, but was left at firstbase as the next two batters flew out.
Darcie Allianic kept the Raiders hopeful in the sixth inning with a single to left, but Gebauer hit into a double play to end the threat.
Lynette Perreira kept her record unblemished as she picked up the win for Waimea with just three hits allowed on a pair of walks and a strikeout.
Gebauer suffered the loss with two hits allowed on a strikeout and a walk.
Churning out seven runs in the first inning of the second game, the Menehune continued to keep their record intact as they claimed the second contest 12-2 in a five-inning contest with Lynette Perreira picking up the win, and Gebauer suffering the loss.
Nue Wong and Lynette Perreira both were 2-for-3 to lead the Menehune bats in the second contest.
The next KIF softball game will signal the start of Round Two when Kaua‘i hosts Kapa‘a on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at Isenberg Park. First pitch is at 5:30 p.m. for the single game.
