JV Softball Dominates Punahou, 3-1
by Al Linsky with thanks to Kris Sumida for game notes
It was cold and dark, but the worst was the wind. It was gusty, and it blew up the dust. But this game was against Punahou at Punahou. Everyone was ready!
Kapua Kailio flied out to start the game. Robyn Totoki went down swinging and Keri Nakama was thrown out at first. It wasn't going to be easy.
The Puns executed a nice bunt single. Another single increased the threat, but a double play on a fly out and play to first behind the runner, combined with a strikeout put out the scoring flames. 0-0.
In the top of the 2nd, Cherisse Sen flied out to left field. Alyssa Kano walked but was thrown out stealing. Keli Umeda walked but the inning ended on a Meagan Nakamoto fly out.
In the bottom of the 2nd, the Puns managed a ground ball single, followed by a fly out and another single. The Puns tried a bunt but it backfired when the batter was hit by her own bunt and it turned into a double play at first.
Shauni Watanabe then tripled to deep center to lead off the 3rd. Darcy Marumoto sacrificed to bring in Shauni but Shauni was called for leaving the base too early. Still no score. Kapua hit a ground ball single. Kelsie Kam came in to pinch run for Kapua. Robyn hit a fly ball to short center which was dropped. Robyn was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double.
In the bottom of the 3rd, there was a bunt single, followed by a sacrifice bunt, followed by 2 ground outs. Still 0-0.
In the top of the 4th, Keri hit an infield fly that dropped, then stole second. Cherisse hit a boomer to right center allowing Keri to score. Cherisse was thrown out at 3rd. Keli hit a shot to the shortstop that was caught which was followed by a Meagan ground out. But the Raiders had the lead. 1-0.
In the bottom of the 4th, the Puns started off with a fly ball to short right field which turned into a double. A bunt sacrifice moved the runner to third. Taylor Chock then made a nice play on a ground ball by looking the base runner back but still getting the play at first. A fly out ended the threat.
Shauni was thrown out at first. Darcy tried a bunt but was also thrown out at first. Kapua grounded out to end the inning. Still 1-0.
The bottom of the 5th started with a nice bunt single followed by a sacrifice bunt. Another sacrifice moved the runner to third. A ground ball out to short ended the threat.
Robyn started the 6th with a ground out. Keri singled to left and then stole second. Cherisse singled to left advancing Keri to third. Alyssa Kano hit a sacrifice fly ball to give the Raiders an insurance run. Keli then got a single but was thrown out stealing. 2-0 Raiders!
The Puns were getting desperate. An infield fly ball that was dropped put a runner on first. A nice double play from 1st to 2nd erased the base runner. A ground out ended the inning.
In the top of the 7th, Meagan grounded out to the pitcher. Shauni singled up the 3rd base line and stole second. Kelsie sacrificed her to third. Kapua hit a single up the middle to make it 3-0. Jen Wong ground out to end the inning.
The Puns mounted one last desperate attempt to get back in the game but a great catch by Keri and a big strikeout by Kapua held them to one run. Final score 3-1, Raiders!
To see more photos, please visit www.iolani-events.org.
Varsity Softball In 4-1 Nail Biter Victory Over Pac-5
by Al Linsky
Yes, the final score was 4-1, but this was a close, hard-fought game. Pac-5 was sharp defensively as were the Lady Raiders, making for a wonderful, competitive contest that was close until the sixth inning.
The top of the first saw the Raiders go down 1-2-3.
The bottom of the first saw a nice double play turned by Lauren Oyadomari as she caught an infield fly and made the throw to first behind the runner.
In the second, both Jana Tokuhama and Kryn Masutani hit big doubles, but no score.
Pac-5 - 1, 2, 3.
In the top of the 3rd, Kaz Masutani hit a single. As she was running to 2nd on the next play she was hit in the back foot by the ball as it screamed toward right. The umpire called her out. Coach Al said "no way!" He explained (calmly) his case to the umpire that the first baseman had not tried for the ball so there was no interference. After much discussion, the umpires agreed, to the obvious displeasure of the Pac-5 coaches. The Lady Raiders couldn't take advantage, though, as the Pac-5 defense came through.
Bottom of the 3rd - 1,2,3.
Top of the 4th - 1,2,3.
Bottom of the 4th, two runners left on base but still no score.
The bats caught fire in the top of the 5th, as Raechelle Takara stole home. 1-0.
Lauren O. hit a fly ball to bring in Dayna Jandoc, 2-0. Kylie Ahlo laid down a perfect bunt to bring Kaz home. 3-0. Kylie then stole second on a passed ball. Pac-5 saw enough. New pitcher (ninth grader named Sheridan) for Pac-5.
In the bottom of the fifth, Sheridan helped her cause with a line shot down the left field line that went all the way to the fence for a home run. 3-1.
In the top of the 6th, the Lady Raiders loaded the bases twice but could only manage one run. 4-1.
Bottom of the 6th - 1,2,3.
At this point, I had to leave. But I came back to see our new pitcher, Kelly Imada, put the lid on to end the game.
Thanks to Joni Masutani for providing the game notes for this story. Whenever possible I will be enlisting an interested fan to help me with game notes so that I can concentrate on the photography.
To see more photos, please visit www.iolani-events.org.
Varsity Softball Comes Back, BeatsPunahou, 3-1
by Al Linsky
What a great way to finish off a week of Iolani softball.
This was my fifth softball game of the week, each a different team (except for the varsity twice), ALL WINS!
This game, though, was the one I was looking forward to the most. Not only was it against our neighbors from up the road, but it started at 2:00 p.m., and I knew I could stay until the finish, and win or lose, I was staying.
Kaz Masutani started the game off with a booming drive to right-center. As she rounded first, she slipped on the wet dirt. She rounded second going for third, but the time she lost rounding first cost her, and third baseman Dori Leong applied the tag.
Punahou matched the Raiders with no score in the bottom of the first, stranding Marisa Murakami on second.
The Raiders went down, 1-2-3 in the top of the second.
In the bottom of the second, the Puns pulled ahead on a Sara Nishikawa single up the middle. Kelli Miyahira singled to short for the RBI. 1-0 Punahou.
The top of the third only saw Raechelle Takahara reach base on a hit to right.
Punahou went down 1-2-3.
The top of the fourth saw the Raiders threaten with the bases loaded, but Punahou tightened, and all three runners were stranded.
Punahou could only manage a single up the middle by Jasmine Ioane.
The fifth inning was 1-2-3 for both sides as pitchers Britney Guro for the Raiders and Jessica Letoto for the Puns kept the lid on.
The top of the sixth saw the Raiders get on the board with a Lauren Oyadomari single, and a Kai Masutani double. 1-1!
Sara Sameshima singled to center for the Puns in the bottom of the sixth, but Kai Masutani and Kylie Ahlo teamed up to pick her off second to end the threat.
It was now do or die as the seventh inning loomed. Raechele singled. Kaz walked. First and second with Lauren O. coming up. A SINGLE! Two runs scored to make it 3-1.
1-2-3 for the Puns and the victory was secure.
St. Francis Pitches To 5-1 Win Over Intermediates
by Al Linsky
This is the second time I've seen this St. Francis intermediate team. They have two big, strong girls, one a pitcher, the other at third. They also have another girl who plays first who's quite a bit bigger than anyone on the Raider team. These girls are good, and it showed yesterday at Ala Wai field, especially in the pitching.
The game started out well for St. Francis as they scored on two stolen bases and a fielder's choice.
Amanda McCaskill got Iolani back in the game with a triple to right field. Chelsea Nakai brought her in with a solid hit to center. St. Francis then locked down tight to strike out the side.
The top of the second saw more scoring by St. Francis as they got a walk, stole 2 bases, and scored on a double to left.
The St. Francis pitcher kept control with an infield out and 2 strike outs.
Two triples in a row by St. Francis made it 3-1.
The Raiders then started making contact but Twyla Hamasaki's hit to short and Amanda's fly out to center field didn't earn any base runners.
The top of the fourth was a good one for the Raider defense, with S.F. being called out on a running error, a strike out and a fly out all that S.F. could manage.
The S.F. pitcher continued to dominate with a strikeout, fly out and popup to third by Chelsea, Maile Beal, and Nani Taniguchi.
S.F. started humming again in the fifth with a walk. A fielder's choice advanced the runner to second. But the Raider defense tightened with a good defensive play by new pitcher, Nani, to first baseman Amanda. A popup to short and a great throw from catcher Kaitlyn Nakai to third baseman Maile, to catch the runner stealing, ended the threat.
The S.F. pitcher, though, just wouldn't budge as the Raiders could only manage two strikeouts and a popup to the first baseman.
The sixth inning saw S.F. go down 1-2-3 with some good fielding by second baseman Kirstyn Namba and Amanda.
It was 1-2-3 for the Raiders with a strikeout, fly out to first and a tap to the pitcher.
The seventh saw S.F. do more damage on a hit to left field as they made it 5-1. The Raiders did well to stop another run on a good play at home.
The S.F. pitcher shut down the Raiders in their last chance to score with two strikeouts and a ground out to third.
Superior pitching was the name of the game on this day at Ala Wai.
To see more photos, please visit www.iolani-events.org.
JV Softball Earns Shutout Over St. Francis, 9-0
by Al Linsky
After beating Kamehameha in their first game, 6-2, the JV team had a chance to make it two in a row. And they did it in fine fashion.
The top of the first saw two fly outs, two walks and a big strike out by pitcher Kapua Kailio to end the threat.
Kapua then started off the hitting with a single. She moved over to second on a sacrifice bunt. A bad throw to second allowed Kapua to come all the way around to score. 1-0. Keri Nakama singled to center and stole second. Cherisse Sen walked. Kelli Ching singled in Cherisse to make it 2-0. Erika Kim would add a single but a strike out and a ground out would end the scoring.
St. Francis would manage two bunts and a single to load the bases in the second, but the Raiders defense would not fold. Still 2-0.
In the bottom of the second, Traci Rivera took a leadoff walk. Kapua then singled and stole second. Robyn Totoki hit a line drive that got behind everyone, scoring two runs, but she was tagged out trying to extend the hit into a triple. 4-0. A fly out by Keri, then Cherisse ended the inning.
The top of the third became the Taylor Chock defensive highlight show when she made two hot grabs at third, the second one turning into a double play. Still 4-0.
Kelli then led off with a ground out, which was followed by an Erika Kim single. Meagan Nakamoto laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Erika over. Keli Umeda lined out.
The top of the fourth saw a single for St. Francis,but the runner was thrown out stealing.
The bottom of the fourth saw no scoring as Traci Rivera tried a bunt, Kelsie Kam got an infield single, Sarah Agustin popped out, and Keri lined out.
The top of the fifth was more of the same for St. Francis as they had one single, but no follow up for any scoring.
Cherisse Sen then hit a big double, Alysse Kano sacrificed to move her over. After a strike out, then a Darcy Marumoto walk, a passed ball allowed Cherisse to score. 5-0.
At this point, I had to return to school for family duty. A reliable source tells me the final score was 9-0.
To see more photos, please visit www.iolani-events.org.
Intermediate Black Softball Adds To The Win Column
The Intermediate Black team played its second game of the season, Thursday, at Kamamala Park against St. Francis. Kamamala is located behind the Nuuanu YMCA on the Pali.
St. Francis had some size, especially their pitcher and third baseman.
But, Iolani had the speed, toughness and ability to keep coming back to prevail in a pretty close game.
In the first, Erin Chun grounded out, Kimberlee Souza singled, Marisa Terayama hit an infield fly that was dropped, and Kaitlyn Shikada grounded out.
No score.
In the bottom of the first, St. Francis started off with a walk, a steal and a single to take the lead 1-0. Then a fly to left that was dropped, which they worked into a bases loaded situation put the Raiders in a bit of danger. A dribbler at home plate was picked up by catcher Kimberlee who stepped on the plate and then tagged the hitter for an inning-ending double play. This was a crucial play as it held the scoring damage to a minimum.
In the top of the second, the Raider bats came alive. Mari Fujimoto reached 1st on error and promptly stole second. Jelene Wong and Kaleen Terayama made outs but Erin Chun was able to lay down a perfect bunt to bring in Mari. 1-1. Lahela Usui then hit a booming triple to make it 2-1. Ashlyn Yokoyama flied out to end the threat.
In the bottom of the second, the first batter grounded out. Kaleen had moved over from 2nd base to cover the throw and somehow ended up sitting on first base as she made the play. A ground out to short ended the inning.
In the top of the third, Kimberlee flied out deep to center. Marisa singled, stole second and then scored on a single by Mari. 3-1.
The bottom of the third saw some tough defensive plays by the Raiders. A passed ball, a steal and a double made it 3-2. Another steal and a throwing error made it 3-3. A big strikeout by pitcher Kaitlyn Shikada ended the threat.
The top of the fourth saw the Raiders go down quickly with only a single by Lahela on the ledger.
The bottom of the 4th also saw St. Francis go down quickly.
Kimberlee got the fifth inning going with a towering ground rule double. Kaitlyn singled to make it 4-3. Mari also singled and an error made it 5-3.
The Raiders held the rest of the way adding one more run to make it 6-3.
A great win Raiders!
To see more photos, please visit www.iolani-events.org.
Runs Scored In Bunches In Red Intermediate Softball
If you like to see a lot of scoring, the softball game between the Intermediate Red team and Sacred Hearts was for you.
This was a seesaw game that saw both teams take the lead repeatedly, then see the young Raiders break the game open in the 5th inning.
In the first inning, Sacred Hearts constantly had runners on but a good play by pitcher Nani Taniguchi, snagging a ball hit directly back to her and getting the lead runner at home, kept it scoreless.
The Raiders also had a scoreless first inning going down quickly with two ground outs and a strikeout.
The top of the second saw more of the same, with Sacred Hearts getting one hit, a single. They made it to 3rd base but were stranded there on a 3rd out strikeout.
The Raider bats awoke in the bottom of the 2nd. After a 1st out ground out, Amanda McCaskill got things started with a single. She then stole second. Kirstyn Namba and Maile Beal also singled to load the bases. Ashley Yoshioka and Kaitlin Nakai were both hit by pitches to make it 2-0. A passed ball then made it 3-0.
Sacred Hearts came right back in the top of the 3rd scratching out singles and stealing bases to make it 3-3.
In the bottom of the 3rd, Nani Taniguchi had a leadoff walk and moved to second on a ground out. Another ground out allowed Nani to score and the Raiders retook the lead at 4-3.
The top of the 4th saw Sacred Hearts go down 1-2-3.
In the bottom of the 4th, Ashley Yoshioka singled. Two passed balls later saw the Raiders pad their lead a bit to 5-3.
The top of the 5th saw the Raider defense crack a bit with a few errors and a single allowing Sacred Hearts to take the lead at 6-5.
The bottom of the 5th, though, saw the never-say-die Raiders come up big with a single by Nani, another single by Chelsea Nakai, and a huge triple to center by Amanda. 7-6 Iolani! But the Raiders weren't done, they were just getting started. Kirstyn followed Amanda's triple with one of her own on a shot to right field. 8-6! A single by Maile Beal made it 9-6, followed by an error and a passed ball allowed Maile to score and make it 10-6. Kaitlyn and Twyla Hamasaki then singled to make it 11-6.
At this point I had to leave but I have heard from a reliable source that the final score was 12-6.
Varsity Softball Starts Season With Win vs. MPI
The rain stayed away, the field was immaculate, and the Lady Raiders showed no signs of first game jitters as they combined a powerful offensive display with a leak proof defense.
Pitcher Britney Guro kept the MPI batters off balance to record a shutout.
Kaz Masutani got the game started in a big way with a leadoff triple. A fly out by Kylie Ahlo and a ground out by Tara Odo brought Kaz in. 1-0.
MPI also started off well, with a lead off double. But she was stranded as the MPI batters were quickly stymied by Britney.
Then it was Kryn Masutani's turn. The youngest of the three Masutani sisters on this team, Kryn led off with a double to center. A sacrifice bunt, then a single by big sister Kaz and it was 2-0.
MPI started with a single and stole second, but again, this runner was left on base.
The top of the third saw Kylie single to center, then steal second. Tara Odo flied out to center. Becca Kagami grounded out but this allowed Kylie to advance to third where she stayed.
MPI went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the third.
In the fourth inning, Kryn led off with a single. Becca laid down a nice sacrifice bunt, which was followed by a Raechelle Takara single, allowing Kryn to score. 3-0.
Raechelle was caught stealing, Kaz and Lauren Oyadomari drew walks, but the threat ended when a deep fly to right by Kylie was caught.
MPI could only manage 3 pop fly outs in the bottom of the fourth.
Tara Odo led off the fifth with a walk. Kai Masutani doubled, followed by a ground out. Kryn lined out. A passed ball then cost MPI 2 runs. 5-0.
The bottom of the fifth saw MPI manage a single, but she was caught stealing at second.
In the top of the sixth, MPI buckled down and held the Raiders scoreless.
|
In the bottom of the sixth, MPI again managed a single but could do nothing with it.
The top of the seventh saw Tara Odo hit a booming, high fly ball to center that cleared the fence by about 10 yards. 6-0. Allison Chu flied out to deep center. Kryn doubled to right. Kelli Ann Lum walked. Kai Taniguchi grounded out to end the threat.
To see more photos, please visit www.iolani-events.org.
|
