Iolani's Kealaulaikalani Gier’s hit a solo home run and added a three RBI double to help lift the Raiders over Maryknoll. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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04231623_IolMary_HOMERUN_0137gow.jpg - Greg Yamamoto | SL

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Kealaulaikalani Gier's solo home run and three RBI double catapulted ninth-ranked Iolani past tenth-ranked Maryknoll, 4-2 in an Interscholastic League of Honolulu contest at the Raiders' home field on Saturday morning.

The Raiders win their seventh-straight game to improve to 10-2 in the ILH standings, while the Lady Spartans fall to 7-5. Iolani closes out the final two regular season games hosting No. 2 Kamehameha (10-1-1) and Pac-Five (5-6-1), while Maryknoll goes to Mid-Pacific (4-8) and hosts Punahou (6-6).

Iolani beat Maryknoll earlier on Mar. 30, 5-2.

"It's great, I've been a part of this since freshman year and every year we played them we always been trying to catch up when we fall behind," said Gier.

Maryknoll pounced early as Aleia Agbayani walked Kahilu McNicoll and Logan Carlos reached on a fielder's choice. Chynna Mekaru and Tamia Hirano each drove in runs with singles for a 2-0 lead.

"Our team doesn't panic. Mentally they are tough and they don't get too excited. This is about the third game where we were down early. They know there is a lot more at bat," said Iolani coach Dean Yonamine.

Iolani responded as Gier belted a 0-1 pitch to center field for a solo home run to put the Raiders on the board.

"Statistically she may not be the top 10 in the league in hitting, but she came up with countless amount of big hits. I think the whole season she's consistent in making solid contact every at bat," said Yonamine.

"Basically I had a strike on me and I wasn't expecting anything special but I saw what she gave me and I went with it and took it. I've been working hard on my swings in each pitch I've been given," said Gier.

Kamryn Kamakiwi started on the mound for the Lady Spartans and was charged for the loss. She walked five batters for the game—four were in the third inning. Spencer Oda, Kennedi Lopes and Cassie Ho walked to load the bases. Gier came in to rip a double deep to left center to help rally the Raiders to make it, 4-2.

"I was looking for something simple to get on and luckily for me I had the right pitch and I was able to take it," said Gier.

"In general Iolani beat us and they scored when they had to. The thing we have to work on as a team is we cannot give them opportunities. The games we lost were by walks," said Maryknoll coach John Uekawa.

Maryknoll had opportunities late in the sixth and seventh innings to get runners in scoring position. Nohea Hee led off went a bunt single in the sixth and managed to move all the way to third base. However, Baylie Kahele reached on a fielder's choice and Carlos flew out to right field.

"We had our opportunities," lamented Uekawa.

Agbayani consecutively walked Mekaru and Hirano and moved to third and second respectively off of Bree Soma's sacrifice bunt. Agbayani fanned Kasey Magdadaro and caused Hee to fly out to left field to end the game. Agbayani got the win as she allowed two runs, walked five and struck out two.

"Aleia gets stronger as the game progresses. It seems like she finds her rhythm and realizes what's working and not working and she makes good adjustments in the game," said Yonamine.