KAILUA-KONA — It seemed adversity found Kealakehe early, but really, the Waveriders were just waiting their turn.
KAILUA-KONA — It seemed adversity found Kealakehe early, but really, the Waveriders were just waiting their turn.
After falling behind 4-0 to rival Konawaena, Kealakehe rode an 11-run first inning barrage to coast past the Wildcats 18-6 in a run-rule shortened five-inning game.
Kiara Cantiberos owned the spotlight in the circle, pitching a gem against the Waveriders’ west side rivals. She struck out three and allowed just two earned runs in a complete game effort.
Cantiberos also recorded a game-high 4 RBIs on a 2-of-3 performance at the plate, including a home run in the second inning.
“We are all like sisters,” Cantiberos said after the game. “We all worked together to get this win.”
Most impressive from the hard-throwing hurler was her poise. After allowing three hits and seeing her defense falter a bit in the first inning, she allowed just three more the rest of the way. She also had to battle through some long standoffs with Konawaena batters, especially in an extended fourth inning that saw 43 pitches thrown — many of those to Konawaena lead-off batter Rachel Sato.
Kealakehe (7-1) head coach Loni Mercado let her ace work through it.
“Kiara always knows what’s working for her. I trust her to make good judgment calls,” Mercado said. “Very rarely will you see me out there on the mound. Unless they are really throwing the ball around, I’m not going to come out there and bug them. Regardless — loaded bases or walks — I’m going to let them work through it because they can. It’s good for them to feel that pressure and push through it.”
Also contributing for Kealakehe was Brei McLeod and Jami Tan, each with a pair of RBIs.
Tiani Lastimosa took the loss for Konawaena, allowing six runs. She also reached base twice, scoring two runs with one RBI. Daycee Lei McKee-Haalili’o had 2 RBIs for the Wildcats.
Konawaena (5-5) head coach Shellie Grace admitted the Wildcats’ season is still a work in progress, but is excited to see her team put it all together.
“Today, our bats came, but our defense didn’t. When we played Kohala, our defense did, but our bats didn’t,” Grace said. “The girls fought back, but we want them to shake off those mistakes a little better. We have a great group and can only take positives away from this. “
Meanwhile, Mercado had some praise for the players in the opposing dugout — many who know her Waverider players well from play outside of the high school season.
“Konawaena always brings their A-game. They battled through everything we threw at them,” Mercado said. “Softball is one big family. We are separated by colors out here, but softball brings us all together. It’s a great bond to have.”
Kealakehe will have some much needed rest after playing four games in six days. The measuring stick contest for the Waveriders is coming up on Saturday when they host undefeated Waiakea (7-0) in a battle of the BIIF’s top Division I squads.
“It will be a good one. Waiakea will bring it — they always do,” Mercado said. “They have lots of hitters and we really respect them as a team. It will be a battle.”
Konawaena 4 0 0 2 0 — 6 4 5
Kealakehe 11 2 3 2 X — 18 5 4