Kauai Red Raiders Sweep Waimea Doubleheader, Win Nightcap 11-10

The Kauai High School softball team swept Waimea on Saturday when the Red Raiders traveled to Waimea Canyon Park for the Kauaʻi Interscholastic Federation doubleheader. The opener was no contest. Trailing 1-0 entering the fifth frame, Kauai pushed five runs across the plate in the fifth and added another in the sixth, with just one hit in the victory, a home run by Yates. Red Raiders scoring included Kyla Peereira, Dallas Batoon, Yates with two scores, Jorey Ellamar, and Cheylee Laborte. Tavela Harris took the loss for Waimea in the opener, giving up the one hit and allowing six runs while striking out seven Red Raider batters and walking 12.

The nightcap was a different kind of game entirely. Looking at a 3-0 hole entering the third frame, Waimea surged ahead 4-3 after three innings, stayed ahead 6-4 in the fourth, and, tied 6-6 after four frames, pushed to a 10-6 lead in the sixth inning. Kauai broke the seesaw with five runs in the seventh inning for the 11-10 edge, that rally coming off four Kauai hits. Waimea had marked 11 hits for its 10 runs.

Tavela Harris and Kamaile Valente shared the mound in the Menehune loss. The loss was credited to Valente, who threw four innings while allowing eight runs, four earned, and two hits; she struck out no Kauai batters and walked six. Kauai went through three pitchers in the win, with Jorey Ellamar, Kaena Rita, and Yates all seeing time in the circle. Rita was credited with the win, going two innings and allowing five runs, only one earned, on four hits while striking out two and walking two.

Waimea's offense had its moments. Top hitter for the Menehunes was Kailea Itamura, who scored twice, finished with four hits, and marked two RBI. Makanani Costales scored twice, marked three hits, and had two RBI, and Kamaile Valente scored twice, marked a hit, and had two RBI. Zyani Vea scored once, marked a hit, and had an RBI.

The doubleheader dropped Waimea to 0-2 on the season, having surrendered 29 runs against only 3 scored across their two outings. Kapaa had opened KIF play earlier in the week by defeating Waimea 23-2 at Waimea Canyon Park. Kauai sits at 1-1 overall but a perfect 1-0 in league play after the sweep.

The next KIF softball game takes place Wednesday when Kapaa comes to Isenberg Park to face Kauai High School in a single contest, starting at 6 p.m. Waimea, meanwhile, travels to Kapaʻa on Saturday, March 28 before returning to Lihue for a trio of road conference matchups against the Red Raiders on April 1, April 8, and April 18.