KAILUA-KONA — Kealakehe may have fallen to Waiakea in the softball season opener on Monday, but head coach Loni Mercado liked the fight she saw from her team after trailing 9-0 and having the game nearly end early.
The Waveriders fought back, eventually losing 10-5 in seven innings.
“We got off to a slow start but they showed me we have a lot to look forward to by not giving up,” Mercado said. “They had a lot of fight in them, we just can’t rely on one big inning to win games.”
Kealakehe rebounded from the loss on Wednesday with a 14-1 home victory over Keaau.
The season opener against the Warriors was a replay of the championship series last season, a series in which Waiakea won to claim the program’s fourth straight league title.
“It is a tough way to start the season, but we would not want it any other way,” Mercado said on facing Waiakea in the first game. “It really shows us where we are at right now as a team.
“This won’t be the last time we will see Waiakea,” she added. “We will see them again in the regular season and most likely in the playoffs.”
With a new season under way, Mercado is most pleased with the numbers this year. Kealakehe has 18 players on the squad, far more than the coach has had since she took over the program.
“We have always lacked numbers, but I am really excited about this year,” Mercado said. “It doesn’t make it any easier, but it allows us to be more creative in practices, with stations going on.”
Nearly half of the team this year are new to the sport, with several girls coming over from the basketball team.
Returning this year and leading the team is pitcher Telsea Taketa, a sophomore, who will also help fill out the heart of the batting lineup with Lisan Mudong and Nanea Kaluau .
“What a difference a year makes,” said Mercado when talking about her ace Taketa. “She is a totally different animal this year. Last year she had no choice but to become the ace, but this year she wants the ball. She’s ready to do this, physically and mentally.”
Inside the circle, Taketa has a very good changeup and, when she is on, she can locate her pitches with the best of them.
“She doesn’t throw 70 miles per hour, but she spins the ball well and hits spots on command,” Mercado said. “Command of the corners is going to be her greatest strength, but she also picked up a little speed over the offseason.”
Kealakehe is also getting infused with some talented underclassmen. Setting the table at the top of the lineup this year is freshman Mia Joaquin.
“She is a spunky player and it is a joy to have her,” Mercado said. “She has a lot of raw, natural talent and a lot of energy.”
Kaluau, a sophomore, will help shore up the defense at shortstop.
“She is a power, right-handed hitter,” Mercado said. “So much talent wrapped up into one little girl, we are looking forward to big things from her at the plate and in the field.”
Waiakea looks like the team to beat once again, but Mercado isn’t counting out anyone early on.
“We also had a chance to see Hilo play and they look good as well,” Mercado said. “Usually there are always some rebuilding teams, but this year it is great all around. It will be a great fight this season.”
