An explosive fifth inning, combined with a two-hit shutout performance in the circle by Kinau Grace, elevated Hawaii Prep to a 4-0 victory in their HHSAA Division II fifth place game Saturday at Patsy Mink Field on Maui.
An explosive fifth inning, combined with a two-hit shutout performance in the circle by Kinau Grace, elevated Hawaii Prep to a 4-0 victory in their HHSAA Division II fifth place game Saturday at Patsy Mink Field on Maui.
Ka Makani stranded runners in scoring position in the first and third innings, but finally broke through in the bottom of the fifth when Kaila Kaahu connected for an RBI double, scoring Kailena Akau and Kawela Takushi.
After another pair of runs – scored by Kaahu and Brooke Samura – crossed the plate later in the inning, Grace and Hawaii Prep’s defense were able to finish the job the rest of the way, holding Na Alii scoreless in the top of the sixth and seventh innings to seal the win.
Though she only recorded one strikeout on the day, Grace was able to rely on an effective defense. Aiea only had five base runners all game, none getting past second base.
Akau led Ka Makani with three hits in the game, followed by Kaahu and Grace with two apiece.
Hawaii Prep ends their 2022 season with a 10-1 record, including a BIIF Division II championship and now a fifth-place finish in the HHSAA D-II state tournament.
