Despite all the travel, the bats remained alive for the Gold Coast Senior softball team. The girls picked up a 7-3 victory over Indiana District 10 in the first game of the Little League World Series on Monday.
The Big Island squad, representing the West Division, jumped out early against the No. 1 team from the Central Division.
Hawaii pushed two runs across the plate in the opening frame when Nanea Nalua‘u led off with a single, moved to third on a double by Dioni Lincoln, and then both runners scored on a double to center by Shaylann Marie Grace.
Gold Coast went up by four in the top of the third. Kalua‘u got the ball rolling again, this time with an infield single. Grace also beat out an infield hit, but Leiloa-Valerie Bustamante hit into a fielder’s choice with the out coming against Kalua’u at third. However, Erin Kaimuloa Bates singled to load the bases and Tehani Epenesa knocked in two with a single to right.
In the top of the sixth, Hawaii increased its lead to seven with an inning that led off with an error and a fielder’s choice where no outs were recorded. After the defensive miscues, Kalua‘u doubled to right, bringing in two runs. She then scored on a groundout by Lincoln.
The Central champs added three runs late in the game but would not get anymore.
Gold Coast out-hit Indiana 14-7.
The Hawaii offense was led by Kalua‘u, who went 4-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs. Grace was 3-for-4 with a run and two RBI’s, while Lincoln and Epenesa had two hits apiece.
Grace picked up the victory inside the circle. She allowed two earned over seven innings. Spreading out seven hits to seven different batters, Grace also struck out four and did not allow a walk.
Kaylee Conn took the loss for Indiana, getting chased from the game without getting an out in the first inning. She allowed two earned off three hits. Madison Bremer threw the rest of the game for Indiana, allowing four earned off 11 hits. She struck out two.
Next up for Gold Coast in a match with Canada today at 9 a.m. They will play Europe-Africa on Wednesday at 4 a.m. and Florida District 9 (Southeast champion) on Thursday at 9 a.m. to wrap up pool play. The tournament is being held in Delaware at Bruce Layton Field.
