LIHU‘E — With just one more Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation bowling match remaining on the calendar, the Kapa‘a girls team repeated as the KIF champions Thursday during the fourth match at the Kaua‘i Bowl in Rice Shopping Center on Rice Street in Lihu‘e.
The Kaua‘i High boys, led by Kaikoa Carvalho-Ki‘ilau rolling a 298 game, clinched the KIF boys bowling title.
“I really thought he was going to do it,” said Kaua‘i High Bowling Coach Kyrin Sasaki. “Kaikoa was just one strike away of a perfect game in the first game, shooting a 298, leaving the 4 and 8 pin. The majority of his strikes were flush in the pocket, leaving no doubt that those frames would result in a strike. I was hoping he could get at least the first in the 10th frame because I think it is one of the hardest frame to get through with nerves. But he stepped up and threw the ball with so much confidence, I really don’t think he was nervous at all. If he was, he hid it very well. When he threw the last ball, from where I was sitting, I really thought he was going to get that perfect game.”
What remains in the final roll that starts at 4 p.m. Thursday is the battle for individual spots for the Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association state tournament. That battle for the two spots is being waged by the top four individual girls to participate at the Leeward Bowl during the state tournament.
Waimea’s entries into the battle are Erich Barbos, who carries a 160 average, and Irish Oriente, who is holding a 147.78 average. Kaua‘i High lady bowlers include Mikayla Pacheco-Villanueva, who is at a 135.44 average, and Kaori Koerte, who holds a 133.67 average.
For the boys, Waimea and Kapa‘a top four individuals battling for their two spots include Menehune Richard Palacio and Ralph Punzalan, Palacio being the top contender for one of the spots with a 164.11 average. Punzalan is rolling a 129.11 average. The second top contender is from Kapa‘a, where Kalahikiola Velasco is holding a 147 average over teammate Anucha Kawamura, who holds a 141.44 average.
Tlhe final rolls for the KIF bowlers take place Thursday starting at 4 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Bowl.
The Billy Tees HHSAA 2022 Bowling Championships take place Oct. 27 and 28 at the Leeward Bowl on O‘ahu.
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
