Mililani's Joen Baker threw three innings of scoreless softball, striking out eight to earn the win against Keaau. Brandon Ching | SL

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050713_IMG_0759.jpg - Brandon Ching | SL

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Mililani advanced to the quarterfinals of the DataHouse Division I State Softball Tournament as they walloped Kea'au, 15-0, in a game shortened to five innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.

The Trojans got on the scoreboard early, scoring 7 runs in the bottom of the first to seize control from the get go. Joen Baker helped her own cause with a 2 RBI double to left field scoring Justine Fabella and Jade Yadao-Valdez, while Kylie-Ann Bello added a three-run homerun that easily cleared the right field fence.

"When coach gave me the signal to fake bunt, I saw the pitch and I was ready for it and it was down the pipe. Everyone worked as a team and communicated," said Kylie-Ann Bello.

"We adjusted to the pitches and we executed well," said starting pitcher Joen Baker, who added 2 RBIs and 2 runs.

In the third inning, the Trojans scored 4 more runs, with Baker's RBI single scoring Yadao-Valdez to invoke the 10-run rule.

In three innings of work, Baker struck out 8 Cougars' batters and relief pitcher Aubree Kim came in the top of the fourth inning and added 5 strikeouts.

"My curves and risers were good today. My defense played well, they backed me and we worked hard for this game," said Baker.

Mililani will play second-seeded Campbell at 7 p.m., the third meeting between the two teams this year. The Trojans swept the Sabers in the regular season, 6-5 on March 5th and 4-2 on March 28th.