KAILUA-KONA — Behind an eight-run third inning and a flurry of hot bats, Kealakehe slugged its way to a 14-2 victory over Hilo in the opening game of a best-of-three BIIF Division I semifinal series.
But don’t bring that up to the Waveriders. Despite the overwhelming performance, they are already on to the next one.
“It was an important win to set the tone for the series, but like I told the girls after the game, this never happened,” Kealakehe head coach Loni Mercado said. “We have to come back for Game 2 just like we did today. With the same preparation and focus.”
The Waveriders and Vikings meet up again today at 1 p.m. at Kealakehe for the second game of the series. The Waveriders (9-5) are vying to lock up consecutive championship appearances, while the Viks (7-7) are hoping to keep their season alive.
Breianna Mcleod and Jami Tan each recorded three RBIs for the Waveriders, while senior ace Kiara Cantiberos picked up the two-hit, six-strikeout win in the circle. Brit Keaunui went 2-for-4 with a double and a pair of RBIs and Kealakehe was helped out by five Hilo errors.
The Vikings struck first with a run in the top of the first inning when Mandi Kawaha crossed the plate, but Cantiberos recovered with her patented strong finish.
“I’m usually never nervous but I felt a little bit shaky at the start,” Cantiberos said. “I took a few deep breaths, talked with my teammates and got back on track.”
While most teams had some extended time off before the playoffs, Kealakehe closed out its regular season this week with a pair of games against Ka‘u and Hawaii Prep. It proved to be both a blessing and a curse.
The benefit for Kealakehe has been the opportunity to find a solid rhythm heading into postseason play. After the win against Hilo, the Waveriders have scored 54 runs combined in their last three contests, while reeling off five consecutive victories. The team’s last loss came back on March 29 to DI rival and top seeded Waiakea.
The obvious negative has been limited rest heading into the most important stretch of the season.
“The girls are kind of beat, but they still worked hard in practice and have been troopers,” Mercado said. “I’ve got a lot of girls not at 100 percent but you would never know.”
For Hilo, it has been a different kind of challenge heading into the playoffs, with head coach Kelly Galdones stepping down this week. But after the lopsided loss, the Viks are sticking to a similar strategy as the ‘Riders.
“Tomorrow is a new day and a new game,” interim head coach Ranson Yoneda said. “It’s been a challenge, but we are just trying to stay positive. The girls can’t hang their heads. “
The Vikings were not without their chances, leaving 10 runners on base in the run-rule shortened game thanks to some free passes from Kealakehe. But the Viks couldn’t capitalize, with Lauren Sugai registering the lone RBI for Hilo.
Chalisse Kela drew the start for the Viks, going 2 1/3 innings before Zoe Cabarloc came in to finish out the contest.
The teams played an exciting semifinal series last year that went to three games, with Kealakehe eventually advancing. The Waveriders swept the two-game regular season series this year with Hilo, but needed some late heroics in one game to pull out a 11-9 home victory.
“We never take anything for granted against Hilo. They are a great group of girls over there,” Mercado said. “One swing of the bat can change the series. It’s anybody’s game.”
Waiakea 17, Keaau 7
Jolene Hirata homered, Kelsie Imai and Jourdan Perreira each pitched three innings and combined to allow only three hits and the host Warriors overcame five errors to win Game 1 of their semifinal series.
Brandee Chinen collected three hits from the top of the lineup for the Waiakea (14-0), including two in the fourth as the Warriors scored nine times to break open a tie game.