Campbell's Alii Pedrina slides safely into third for a stolen base against Kailua. Greg Yamamoto | SL

Purchase image 1 of 3

Campbell's Dorrien Villanueva-Hermosura stretches out to make a catch in foul territory near the first base line against Kailua. Greg Yamamoto | SL

Purchase image 2 of 3

Campbell starter Ian Kahaloa throw a pitch to the plate against Kailua. Greg Yamamoto | SL

Purchase image 3 of 3

Campbell got a masterful one-hit performance on the mound from Ian Kahaloa in a 3-0 victory over East second-seed Kailua, as the Sabers advanced to the OIA Red division championship game in the second semifinal game at Hans L'Orange Field Friday.

"Our pitcher (Kahaloa) did a hell of a job today," said Campbell head coach Rory Pico on his starting pitcher's performance. "He's been banged up coming into the tournament and we were not sure if he was even going to be available for the tournament. For him to throw the way he did today, very impressive."

Kahaloa, a sophomore, was nothing short of dominant in his seven innings of work, allowing just one hit while striking out nine and walking just two.

"It felt great," exclaimed Kahaloa. "It was pretty good; my fastball was working a lot."

When asked about his mindset coming into the game, Kahaloa said he needed to "have fire." He also said he told himself not to think about his hip flexor injury from two weeks ago, and to pitch like he always pitches.

The Campbell defense let Kailua's first two batters of the game get on base early on, but very quickly buckled down and got outs. After letting lead-off Surfrider hitter Corey Louis-Soares on base on an error, the Saber defense were able to tag him out trying to steal second. Kahaloa's mindset of "having fire" was evident early on as he threw three consecutive strikeouts in between the first two innings.

The Kailua defense was also impressive in the earlier stages of the game. Despite only giving up two hits, no runs were scored against the Surfriders in the first two innings.

Campbell remained patient and finally got a run in the third inning. Dylan Ramie was hit by a pitch to start the third inning and got a free pass to first base. Two batters later, the dynamic Alii Pedrina knocked one in between first and second to bring Ramie home for the first score of the game.

The scoring for the Sabers wasn't limited to just one inning as they drove in two runs in the fourth. Kahaloa was also a factor on offense as he got a base hit on a lucky bounce that threw off the Kailua infielder. One batter later, Jasten Smeigh drove Kahaloa home and also later scored a run off of Wesley Mendoza's bat to put Campbell up, 3-0.

"We just had some good at bats," explained Pico. "That's what it comes down to; see a good pitch, put a good swing on it. We capitalize on a couple of mistakes and we were able to score some runs."

There would be no more runs scored for the Sabers for the rest of the game, but Pedrina kept the Surfrider defense on their toes. After getting walked, Pedrina showed some wheels in the fifth inning as he stole second and third base.

"That kid can run," said Pico of Pedrina. "Whenever he steps into the box, he just puts pressure on the defense because he can run."

Kailua best chance to score came in the sixth inning. After throwing his eight strikeout of the night, Kahaloa could not find the strike zone and walked the next two batters. An error by the Campbell defense also helped a runner advance to third and all of a sudden the tying run was at bat. There would be no Kailua runs scored however and Kahaloa would later ice the game with his ninth and final strikeout in the seventh inning to defeat the Surfriders.

"We didn't hit the ball today," said Kailua head coach Corey Ishigo. "That's part of the process that we're going through right now. We're learning and we're getting better every day."

Fortunately for the Surfriders, their season isn't over as the top six teams from the OIA red division advance into the state tournament. Having reached the OIA semi-finals, Kailua's ticket is already punched in for a state berth.

"Now we know our weaknesses," said Ishigo. "We're just going to practice, work on the things we need to work on."

Another bright spot for Kailua was the performance of sophomore Keola Himan, who came on in relief of starter Matthew Hanano and pitched a strong 3 1/3 innings for the Surfriders, allowing just two runs on two hits while striking out six and walking just one.

The win for Campbell sets up a rematch with Mililani in the OIA red championship game. Campbell was having an undefeated season before Mililani played spoiler in the final game of the regular season.

"Mililani's always a good ball club," said coach Pico of their next matchup. "Every year we have our battles, year in and year out. I know they going to come out, ready to play, I know they're going to bring their A game. I'm just hoping that we can come out and do the same."