Kohala pitcher Chyler Imai has been voted the Big Island Interscholastic Federation West Hawaii Player of the Year after leading the Cowgirls to another rock-solid season. Kohala pitcher Chyler Imai has been voted the Big Island Interscholastic Federation West Hawaii
Kohala pitcher Chyler Imai has been voted the Big Island Interscholastic Federation West Hawaii Player of the Year after leading the Cowgirls to another rock-solid season.
She led Kohala’s softball team to a BIIF runner-up finish in the Division II tournament and a second straight appearance in the Hawaii High School Athletic Association state tournament, impressing the league’s coaches along the way.
Imai, a right-hander, had a 10-4 record and was one of Kohala’s top hitters, especially in the clutch.
“She pitched very well all season,’’ Cowgirls coach Terrence Alcoran said. “She was really important to the team’s success and a good team leader.
“I think she’s a good choice for the Player of the Year award. This year, she was able to beat the (Division I and Division II) teams. When we lost to Honokaa, she came right back and helped us beat them.”
Imai was the team’s pitching ace for three straight seasons.
“I’m happy for her,” Alcoran said. “She’s very deserving.”
Imai, a two-sport standout, will play volleyball at Western New Mexico University next year. She is thrilled about getting her Player of the Year honor.
“I’m thankful for my coaches and teammates,” she said. “I think we had a successful season, doing well in the BIIF and making states again. The last two years have been a lot of fun.
“As a senior, I tried to go out and play hard every game. I tried to show leadership and get everyone to go out and give it their all. Looking back, I’m pretty happy how everything turned out.”
Imai is joined on the West Hawaii first team by junior first baseman Tiani Luga, senior third baseman Casey Utemei and senior outfielder Jordelle Antonio from Kohala; Konawaena freshman shortstop Bethany Batangan; senior catcher Stacie Doi and sophomore outfielder Chancis Fernandez from Hawaii Prep; senior second baseman Nicole Rivera, sophomore catcher Kaleanani Anakalea-Haleamau and freshman utility player Kelina Palmer-Kahananui from Kealakehe; and sophomore second baseman Kayla Kalauli, sophomore outfielder Allie Shiraki and freshman utility player Jasmine Castro from Honokaa.
Alcoran was named West Hawaii’s Coach of the Year.
The Warriors, behind the one-hit pitching of senior Kiani Wong, defeated the Cowgirls 5-1 to capture the league crown.
“Kiani was on her ‘A’ game that day,” Alcoran said. “She was awesome.”
The Cowgirls then finished 1-2 at the Division II state tournament on Oahu. They dropped their opener to Waipahu, then fought past Honokaa 7-2 before falling 7-3 to St. Francis.
But the Cowgirls coach enjoyed what he called a productive season.
“I’m really happy with this year,” Alcoran said. “We had a really young team with a lot of freshmen and sophomores. We were kind of up and down, but the young girls stepped up and did well.
“We’re looking forward to next year.”
Alcoran praised his assistants, Stan Gonsalves and Hauoli Alcoran, for their contributions this season.
