Sylvia Lee | SL

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NANAKULI – On a clear Leeward Oahu day, a perfect storm of events saw Nanakuli defeat visiting Aiea, 21-0, Saturday in Oahu Interscholastic Association Division II softball.

Both teams entered the game 1-0, but Na Alii were shy two regular infielders and a starting pitcher against the three-time defending state champion Golden Hawks.

Nanakuli sent 15 batters the plate in an 11-run first inning. The Golden Hawks, realizing the situation, went station-to-station when possible, holding up runners from second at third even though they could have easily scored after taking the big lead.

"When you're looking at how the game's developing, we don't want to run up any score," Nanakuli coach Ricky Gusman said.. "We don't want to demoralize the team. It's tough when you have injuries like that. The guys across the way are my colleagues, too. Just to respect to the game, respect to the coaches and respect to the program, we put the brakes on little bit. We took one bag at a time, didn't take advantage of situations. Give the game the due respect."

Aiea's left-handed ace Poamai Tuli, an All-Hawaii selection last season, was among the injured unable to play.

"I'm sure it would've been a lot different if the lefty pitched," Gusman said.

Regular shortstop Chantellle Shimabukuro started in the circle and endured three innings with players not in their usual positions behind her. Usual catcher Tesi Tauvale started at shortstop.

Also out were second baseman Janeah Padasdao and third baseman Trini Atuatasi.

"At the beginning of the season, I addressed the players that every player is important and we can't predict the future and what's going to happen so everybody has to be prepared," Aiea coach Alan Higuchi said.

Higuchi is hopeful of Atuatasi returning soon, but is unsure of Padasdao and Tuli, who will get examined this week. Atuatasi and Tuli suffered knee injuries in last Saturday's game and Padasdao originally injured her knee in soccer, Higuchi said. "She tried to come back too early," he said of Padasdao.

Starter and winning pitcher Chalyssa-Ann Belford tossed three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out four. Keani Sonognini-Keopuhiwa pitched the last two innings, allowing a hit with one strikeout.

Aiea's Pii Tauala had one of the harder hit balls of the game with a single to deep center, but she was thrown out at seconc trying to stretch her hit into a double.

Raynette Meyers-Kahalehoe batted 2 for 4 with five RBI, including a grand slam for Nanakuli. Daria Kawaauhau was 2 for 3 with four RBI and Kalia Burnett was 3 for 3 with three RBI.