Back and forth it goes between the two best young golfers in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation, with Waiakea sophomore Trevor Hirata and freshman Shon Katahira challenging each other for medalist honors. ADVERTISING Back and forth it goes between the
Back and forth it goes between the two best young golfers in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation, with Waiakea sophomore Trevor Hirata and freshman Shon Katahira challenging each other for medalist honors.
Under windy and sunny conditions, Hirata ignored the elements to fire a sparkling 3-under 69 to take first place at a BIIF meet Thursday at Mauna Lani’s North course.
After one day of rest, Hirata, who shot a dazzing 33 on the front nine and a par 36 on the back, was followed by teammates Katahira (76) and Eric Kagawa (76).
Kamehameha’s Kalai Pomroy was next with a 7-over 79.
Katahira won the previous two meets, including Tuesday at Waikoloa Village. Hirata won the season-opener at Hilo Municipal. They’re tied with two medalist honors apiece.
The Warriors won the team title with a 312-stroke total, 27 shots better than runner-up Kamehameha. Hilo, the defending BIIF champion, has a young team and not enough golfers to fill the four starting spots. Waiakea has won all four meets.
In what’s becoming a routine, Waiakea senior Andi Igawa pocketed another medalist honor. She fired a 3-over 75 to beat Kamehameha’s Shantel Antonio by seven strokes.
Igawa is 4 for 4, but the regular-season meets are basically individual tuneups. The three-round BIIF championships at Hualalai Resort, Hokulia and Mauna Kea, will decide the league champions. The rounds run April 20, 22, and 24.
Hilo senior Amanda Loeffler didn’t compete at Mauna Lani. Still, her teammate, Annie Sadamoto, had a strong effort with a round of 99.
Waiakea, the 10-time BIIF champion, won its first team meet with a 306-stroke total. Hilo was second at 319. The Vikings won the last two meets while Kamehameha took the season-opener.
The next meet is 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Waikoloa Kings’ Course.
