Aiea sophomore pitcher Ty Matsunami and Kalani senior centerfielder Jacianne Furuya turned in standout individual performances in key league wins for their respective teams last week. ScoringLive photo illustration

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Male Athlete of the Week: Ty Matsunami, Aiea baseball
During his time on the Aiea baseball team, Ty Matsunami has served as a jack of all trades. Saturday, he was more of an ace.

Matsunami, a 5-foot-7 sophomore right-handed pitcher, fired a complete-game three-hitter to lead Aiea in a 2-0 win over then-No. 3 Mililani in an Oahu Interscholastic Association Western Division game at Radford High School.

He faced just five more batters than the minimum and threw 52 of his 91 strikes on the afternoon for strikes. The visiting Trojans managed just seven base runners. Only two of them reached second base and none of them third.

"He was outstanding," Aiea coach Ryan Kato said of Matsunami. "All week, and in the couple of weeks leading up to this game, we've worked on being able to effectively locate his secondary pitches — his curves and his change-ups — and he executed that on game day, so for me I was really pleased with that and that the work he put in actually paid dividends for us in the game."

Matsunami recorded two strikeouts and aside from the two walks he issued, he had just three three-ball counts. Both times Matsunami allowed the leadoff batters to reach base, they were caught stealing by catcher Jake Nakamoto.

"When the leadoff batts got on base, for some reason Ty was able to turn it up another notch, but that was a joint effort," Kato said. "It wasn't like he was striking them out. He had great defense behind him and our catcher did a great job, so it was more of him buckling down when the leadoff runner got on and the defense doing their part."

Up until Saturday, Matsunami's three pitching appearances were limited to relief duty, but in between those he kept himself busy.

"He's like our Swiss army knife," Kato said. "Depending who is pitching he'll play shortstop or outfielder for us. When our second baseman was hurt he was our second baseman. When we needed a third baseman he played third. He's just a very athletic player and he's good to have because we can put him wherever and he just adapts to different situations."

Kato said he felt Matsunami was the right matchup against the Trojans, who had four runs on seven hits in a one-run win over Aiea earlier in the year.

"Last time we threw someone that threw hard. This time he came with Ty, who is more of a curveball, change-up pitcher, and a different look and see what would happen," Kato said. "He's been predominantly a relief pitcher, but only because of the fact that we're real thin on the defensive end so we need people on the field and he's someone that we needed defensively."

Matsunami's arm strength, and overall strength, have improved in a year's time, Kato said, but there is one area that still has lots of room for growth.

"With all the talent and all the ability that he has, the one thing we try and get him to do is take more of a leadership role and be more vocal," Kato said of Matsunami, whose father, Garret, is Na Alii's third base coach. "He's such a quiet kid. He's the greatest kid on earth to coach because he'll never say anything. He'll say ‘yes, coach,' but at certain times on the field we need him to be more vocal and that's the part that we're working on him with. Hopefully in the coming years he'll break out of his shell."

Matsunami, who threw one scoreless inning of relief in the Division II state championship game as a freshman last year, is one of any number of arms that Kato can hand the ball to.

"Our pitching staff doesn't have any one go-to pitcher or ace pitcher. We have a whole bunch of starters, but we try to mix and match and we put people in different roles," Kato said. "We have them start some games, relieve some games and that way we can kind of piece together different situations and not pigeon-hole someone as a starter or reliever."

Saturday's win snapped a five-game losing streak for Na Alii, which included a pair of one-run losses. It also ended Mililani's seven-game winning streak.

"A win like that is priceless at this point in the season, especially the timing of it," Kato said. "Losing five games in a row weighs on your confidence. The thing that was keeping us going was the fact that we were in every game. We always came up short, but we in the game, we had the resiliency to come back and so we had to take those mini-victories and motivate us to keep going so a win like this really boosts our confidence level to a point where we actually believe now. The players believe in themselves now."

Matsunami and Na Alii (4-6) sit in fourth place in the OIA D1 West. They conclude the regular season with road games at Leilehua Wednesday and Waipahu Saturday.

Female Athlete of the Week: Jacianne Furuya, Kalani softball
Kalani softball coach Kellet Hussey pulls no punches when speaking of Jacianne Furuya.

Furuya, the Falcons' stalwart outfielder in center and leadoff hitter, has a lot to do with their 7-2 start this season and second-place standing in the nine-team Oahu Interscholastic Association Division II.

"She really pushes herself and the team," Hussey said of Furuya. "She's really become a good leader this year. Without that we wouldn't be winning. She's mentored the younger players and when someone makes a mistake or error she goes and talks to them and calms them down. She's one of the reasons they have a lot of fun, too."

Furuya was a big part of Kalani's latest victory: an 11-5 win over reigning D2 state runner-up Aiea Saturday. She batted 4 for 5 with a triple and four runs scored.

"She really had a fantastic game," Hussey said. "She's my leadoff hitters, she anchors my outfielder and she's our head captain, so she's been a real blessing since I took over the sport last year."

As a junior, Furuya mostly played in the infield, but did a little bit of everything for the Falcons.

"She was an outfielder originally, but she pitched last year, she caught last year and she played shortstop last year so she's done it all," Hussey said. "This year we're able to play her at her natural position, which is centerfield. Our team is really young, so her being a senior and a great leader helps a lot. The team kind of goes where she goes. If she's having a good game, we're going to have good game."

Furuya has faired well with the bat — she had a four-hit, four-RBI game in a win over Radford two weeks ago — but it's been her defense that has been a steadying influence for the Falcons.

"I think she's only made one error on numerous balls," Hussey said. "We have a very young pitcher without much experience and it's hasn't led to that many balls in the infield, but a lot of balls in the outfield. That's what is saving us. Our outfielder with Jacianne has bee kind of exceptional. We've been able to catch everything pretty clean."

Hussey said that in the two seasons that he has coached Furuya, he has seen the biggest gains in her leadership this year.

"She was very quiet last year, but she was still the leader," Hussey said. "This year we made her be more vocal. She's not the loudest of my captains, but she is the one that if she says something, everybody is going to listen. Without my captains pushing them, I don't think we're where we are at now. It's been a fun year."

Kalani, which has just three seniors and two juniors mixed with nine underclassmen, has even surprised its coach with how much it has improved in a year's time.

"They're really progressed this year and are probably a year ahead of my expectations," Hussey said. "I figured we would be making a splash next year because we're real young, so beating an experienced team like Aiea was big."

The Falcons are riding a six-game winning streak heading into the final week of the regular season.

"It's built a lot of confidence in these girls," Hussey said. "Now they expect to win. It was not like that when we started last year. They weren't used to winning and I'm used to winning. Winning is important because it makes it fun. Winning isn't the most important thing, but it's important."

Furuya and the Falcons, who followed up Saturday's win with a 13-4 victory over Aiea, will face division-leading Nanakuli Saturday.

BASEBALL
Kamahao Acpal, Lahainaluna — Batted 3 for 4 with a run scored in a loss to King Kekaulike

Kolu Alani, Konawaena — Batted 3 for 3 with an RBI and allowed two runs on five hits in a complete-game win over Honokaa

Jayven Amanonce, Kohala — Batted 2 for 3 with a double, walk, two RBI, two stolen bases and two runs scored in a loss to Hawaii Prep

Matt Aribal, Pearl City — Batted 3 for 3 with a walk and three runs scored in a win over Waipahu

Sheldon Aribal, Hawaii Prep — Batted 2 for 3 with two RBI and two runs scored in a win over Pahoa

Tai Atkins, Kamehameha-Hawaii — Struck out six, walked one and allowed one run on one hit in five innings pitched in a win over Kohala

Jace Baguio, Farrington — Batted 2 for 3 with two doubles, three RBI and two runs scored in a win over Nanakuli

Bryson Ballesteros, Kailua — Struck out six, walked one and allowed one hit in five scoreless innings pitched in a win over Kaimuki

Kaimana Bartolome, Iolani — Batted 2 for 3 with a double and three RBI in a win over Maryknoll

Micah Bello, Hilo — Batted 3 for 3 with a double, walk and three runs scored in a win over Keaau

Joshua Breibarth, Hilo — Batted 2 for 3 with four RBI and a run scored in a win over Keaau

Grayson Bueno, Damien — Allowed one unearned run on six hits in a complete-game win over Pac-Five

Jaisten Cabatbat, Kamehameha-Hawaii — Batted 4 for 4 with two triples, two RBI and a run scored in a win over Kohala

Daylen Calicdan, Kamehameha-Hawaii — Batted 3 for 3 with a double and four RBI in a win over Pahoa

Matt Campos, Iolani — Hit a home run, drove in three runs and scored tice in a loss to Mid-Pacific

Thomas Capilonch, Kalaheo — Batted 3 for 3 with two stolen bases in a win over Nanakuli

Hunter Chow, Punahou — Batted 3 for 4 with an RBI in a win over Kamehameha

Trenton Darley, Pearl City — Batted 3 for 5 with a double, four RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored in a win over Waipahu

Tjader De Alba, Radford — Batted 3 for 3 with two doubles, a walk, five RBI and a run scored in win over McKinley

DallasJ Duarte, Kamehameha-Hawaii — Batted 3 for 4 with two RBI and two runs scored in a win over Konawaena

Haloa Dudoit, Baldwin — Batted 4 for 5 with two doubles, three RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored in a win over Kamehameha-Maui

Kanaikai Gaughen, Hawaii Prep — Batted 2 for 2 with a triple, two RBI and three runs scored in a win over Pahoa

Hunter Guarco, Saint Louis — Batted 2 for 3 with a walk, two RBI and two runs scored in a win over Punahou

Jordan Harvest, Castle — Batted 2 for 4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored in a loss to Roosevelt

Mathan Hatchie, Waialua — Struck out nine, walked one and allowed two runs on six hits in six innings pitched in a win over Farrington

Micah Hee, Kamehameha — Batted 3 for 4 with a double and two RBI in a loss to Punahou

Royce Hirayama, Saint Louis — Scattered six hits over five scoreless innings pitched in a win over Maryknoll

Chuck Hoopai, Nanakuli — Batted 2 for 4 with three RBI and a run scored in a loss to Kalaheo

Dustin Imanaka, Kailua — Batted 2 for 3 with a double, walk, stolen base and three runs scored in a win over Kaimuki

Jarrod Infante, Mid-Pacific — Hit a home run with three RBI and two runs scored in a win over Kamehameha

Hiram Kaikana, Roosevelt — Batted 2 for 4 with a home run, double, walk and three RBI in a loss to Kalani

Jamin Kalaola, Campbell — Allowed one run on two hits in a complete-game win over Aiea

Keiki Kanahele-Santos, Kailua — Batted 2 for 4 with a double, five RBI and a stolen base in a win over Kaimuki

Keian Kanetani, Keaau — Batted 2 for 3 with a double, walk, RBI, run scored and allowed one run on four hits in a complete-game win over Kealakehe

Kekaulike Kalua, Moanalua — Batted 2 for 4 with a home run, triple and five RBI in a win over Kaimuki

Anson Kauwe, Keaau — Batted 3 for 4 with an RBI, two stolen bases and three runs scored in a win over Kealakehe

Thane Kim, Roosevelt — Batted 2 for 3 with a walk and three runs scored in a win over Castle

Braden Kojima, Hawaii Prep — Batted 2 for 2 with a double, two walks, two RBI and a run scored in a win over Kohala

Shaun Kurosawa, Waiakea — Batted 3 for 3 with two RBI and three runs scored in a win over Kealakehe

Tavita Lalau, Waianae — Batted 3 for 4 with a double, two RBI, two runs scored and struck out eight, walked five and allowed one run on five hits in a complete-game win over Leilehua

Brandyn Lee-Lehano, Kamehameha-Hawaii — Struck out four, walked two and allowed one run in six scoreless innings pitched in a win over Konawaena

Kekoa Lima, Roosevelt — Batted 3 for 4 with a double in a win over Castle

Pulama Louis, Kealakehe — Batted 2 for 3 with a home run, walk, four RBI and two runs scored in a win over Keaau

Paul Madamba, Farrington — Batted 3 for 4 with a home run, three RBI and three runs scored in a win over Nanakuli

Logan Madrona, Castle — Batted 2 for 3 with a double and two RBI in a loss to Roosevelt

Tristen Manoha-Diaz, Kapolei — Batted 2 for 3 with a double, four RBI and a run scored in a win over Kahuku

Matt Matsuda, Pac-Five — Batted 4 for 5 with three RBI and two runs scored in a win over Hanalani

Nathan Minami, Waiakea — Batted 2 for 3 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored in a win over Kealakehe

Doug Miyasato, Kauai — Struck out four, walked two and allowed two hits in five scoreless innings pitched in a win over Waimea

Aris Nakagawa, Mililani — Batted 3 for 5 with a walk and four RBI in a win over Leilehua

Jacob Nishitomi, Radford — Struck out seven, walked none and allowed one run on six hits in five scoreless innings pitched in a win over Kalaheo

Ethan Okimoto, Roosevelt — Batted 3 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored in a win over Castle

Alexander Oley, Mid-Pacific — Struck out two, walked none and allowed one run on four hits in a complete-game win over Kamehameha

Zane Oshiro, Pac-Five — Batted 3 for 5 with a walk, three RBI and four runs scored in a win over Hanalani

Sam Prentice, Pearl City — Batted 3 for 5 with a double, two RBI, stolen base and a run scored in a win over Waipahu

Ryan Ragual, Hilo — Batted 2 for 3 with a double, two RBI and three runs scored in a win over Keaau

Keolu Ramos, Mililani — Struck out five, walked one and allowed one run on two hits in four innings of relief in a win over Leilehua

Kobie Russell, Waipahu — Batted 2 for 2 with a triple, walk, sacrifice fly, four RBI and a run scored in a loss to Pearl City

Rico Sallas, Mililani — Batted 3 for 6 with a stolen base and two runs scored in a win over Leilehua

Jarred Soriano, Moanalua — Batted 3 for 4 with an RBI and two runs scored in a win over Kaiser

Kaimana Souza-Paaluhi, Mililani — Batted 2 for 2 with a double, two walks, an RBI, five stolen bases and two runs scored in a win over Leilehua

Todd Takahama, Campbell — Batted 3 for 4 with a double and a run scored in a win over Waipahu

Easton Takamoto, Punahou — Batted 2 for 4 with a double, three RBI and a run scored in a win over Kamehameha

Trayden Tamiya, Waiakea — Batted 2 for 3 with two RBI and two runs scored in a win over Kealakehe

Kai Terada-Herzer, Punahou — Batted 2 for 4 with two RBI and a run scored in a loss to Saint Louis

Jay Texeira, King Kekaulike — Scattered six hits in eight scoreless innings of relief in a win over Kamehameha-Maui

Brendan Uchima, Saint Louis — Batted 3 for 4 with a triple, RBI and a run scored in a win over Maryknoll

Chase Wago, Mid-Pacific — Struck out seven, walked none and allowed two runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings of relief and doubled and drove in two runs in a win over Iolani

Ekolu Watanabe, Kamehameha-Maui — Batted 4 for 5 and struck out eight, walked one and allowed one unearned run on two hits in 5 2/3 innings of relief in a loss to King Kekaulike

Ryne Yamashiro, Mid-Pacific — Batted 3 for 3 with a triple, double, three RBI and two runs scored in a win over Iolani

Bradyn Yoshida, Kapolei — Batted 2 for 4 with three RBI and two runs scored in a win over McKinley

BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Kanai Akana, Punahou — Had 11 kills and seven blocks in a win over Mira Costa

Sam Bradley, Punahou — Had eight blocks in a win over Mira Costa

Avery Enriques, Kamehameha-Hawaii — Had 20 kills and 12 its in a loss to Corona Del Mar

Hunter Mars, Baldwin — Had 17 digs, nine kills and an ace in a loss to King Kekaulike

Isaiah Laeha, Kamehameha-Hawaii — Had 15 kills in a loss to Corona Del Mar

Ian Martins, Baldwin — Had 43 digs, four kills and two aces in a loss to King Kekaulike

Nakuluai Morando, Baldwin — Had 12 kills, five digs and four aces in a loss to King Kekaulike

Seireadan Sana, Waianae — Had 15 digs in a win over Radford

Will Stanley, Punahou — Had 12 kills, six blocks and six digs in a win over Mira Costa

Akahi Troske, Punahou — Had nine blocks and six kills in a win over Mira Costa

GIRLS WATER POLO
Colleen Abanico, Mililani — Scored eight goals in a win over Castle

Taylor Brooks, Roosevelt — Scored seven goals in a win over Kapolei

Shania Custodio-Velasco, McKinley — Scored four goals in a loss to Kalaheo

Saki Migliorato, Punahou — Scored six goals in a win over Kamehameha

Keely Purington, Kalaheo — Scored four goals in a win over McKinley

Lake Stevens-Ram, Castle — Scored five goals in a loss to Mililani

Camryn Tabiolo, Moanalua — Scored four goals in a win over Kalaheo

GOLF
Kyosuke Hara, Moanalua — Shot a one-under par 69 to tie for first at an OIA boys tournament at Ala Wai Golf Course

Jun Ho Won, Moanalua — Shot a one-under par 69 to tie for first at an OIA boys tournament at Ala Wai Golf Course

Miki Manta, Kalani — Shot a four-under par 66 to win an OIA girls tournament at Ala Wai Golf Course

SOFTBALL
Khaylie Adachi, Molokai — Batted 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI in a loss to Lanai

Aleia Agbayani, Iolani — Batted 3 for 4 with a home run, three RBI and a run scored and allowed one run on five hits in 5 1/3 innings pitched in a win over Saint Francis and hit a home run with three RBI in a win over Mid-Pacific

Seli Aholelei, Kaiser — Drove in six runs and scored twice in a win over Kaimuki

Bailey Akimseu, Punahou — Struck out seven, walked three and allowed one run on three hits in a complete-game win over Maryknoll

Leila Anoina, Iolani — Batted 3 for 3 with an RBI, stolen base and a run scored in a win over Pac-Five

Trinity Atuatasi, Aiea — Batted 2 for 4 with a double and two RBI in a loss to Kalani

Chalyssa-Ann Belford, Nanakuli — Batted 3 for 4 with a walk, two RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored in a win over Farrington

Danielle Cervantes, Campbell — Struck out 12, walked two and allowed one unearned run on three hits in a complete-game win over Pearl City

Crystal Ching-Lake, Kaiser — Struck out seven, walked none and allowed one run on four hits in five innings pitched in a win over Kaimuki

Dyani Cummings-Lani, Kailua — Allowed two runs on seven hits in a complete-game win over Castle

Andrea Dicion, Waialua — Batted 4 for 4 with a home run, triple, double, four RBI and three runs scored in a win over Kahuku

Mika Emoto, Roosevelt — Batted 2 for 4 with three RBI and a run scored in a win over Moanalua

Mari Foster, Roosevelt — Batted 2 for 4 with a double and four RBI in a loss to Kaiser

Kealaulaikalani Gier, Iolani — Hit a home run with three RBI in a win over Mid-Pacific

Mikelle Gonzales, Aiea — Batted 3 for 3 with a walk, two stolen bases and two runs scored in a loss to Kalani

Gemelle Hatchie, Waialua — Batted 3 for 3 with two RBI and two runs scored in a win over Kahuku

Cherise Horita, Kalani — Batted 4 for 4 with four doubles, three RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base in a win over Aiea

Kaua Huihui-Awa, Sacred Hearts — Batted 2 for 4 with a triple, RBI and three runs scored in a loss to Saint Francis

Trinidee Kahunahana — Batted 2 for 3 with a walk, two RBI and three runs scored in a win over Kaimuki

Lili Kaimi, Kapolei — Batted 2 for 3 with a home run and two RBI in a win over Pearl City and batted 2 for 3 with two RBI in a win over Waianae

Sadie Kapaku-You, Kapolei — Allowed one unearned run on six hits in a complete-game win over Pearl City and batted 2 for 4 with two RBI and allowed two runs on seven hits in a complete-game win over Waianae

Kaena Keliinoi, Saint Francis — Batted 2 for 5 with a double, stolen base, two RBI and two runs scored in a win over Sacred Hearts

Kennedi Lopes, Iolani — Batted 2 for 3 with a double, walk, stolen base, two RBI and two runs scored in a win over Saint Francis

Shanelle Lum, Moanalua — Batted 3 for 4 with a double, RBI and a run scored in a loss to Roosevelt

Cherie Malacas, Lanai — Batted 3 for 4 with a triple, three RBI and three runs scored in a win over Molokai

Shandi Matsumoto, Kalani — Batted 3 for 4 with three RBI in a win over Radford

Korrie Matsumura, Saint Francis — Batted 2 for 5 with a home run, double, two RBI and two runs scored in a win over Sacred Hearts

Raynette Meyers-Kahalehoe, Nanakuli — Batted 3 for 5 with three RBI and two runs scored in a win over Farrington

Dallas Millwood, Kamehameha — Batted 2 for 4 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored in a win over Mid-Pacific

Jordan Millwood, Kamehameha — Batted 2 for 3 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored in a win over Punahou

Maya Nakamura, Roosevelt — Batted 3 for 3 with a walk, RBI and two runs scored in a win over Moanalua

Sammie Ofoia, Saint Francis — Batted 2 for 4 with a home run, walk, stolen base, two RBI and two runs scored in a win over Sacred Hearts

Kaycie Okada, Farrington — Batted 2 for 4 with a double, three RBI and a stolen base in a loss to Nanakuli

Kylie Pagud, Kalani — Batted 3 for 3 with two RBI in a win over Radford

Chardonnay Pantastico, Campbell — Batted 2 for 3 with a double, walk, two RBI and three runs scored in a win over Waiphu

Charley Pittman, Waianae — Batted 3 for 4 with a double, three RBI and a run scored in a loss to Leilehua

Darien Robinson, Campbell — Batted 2 for 3 with a two home runs, a walk, six RBI and two runs scored in a win over Castle

Kenna Santos, Saint Francis — Batted 3 for 4 with an RBI, stolen base and two runs scored in a win over Sacred Hearts

Ashley Salausa, Leilehua — Batted 3 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored in a win over Waianae

Mahina Sauer, Kamehameha — Drove in three runs and threw three scoreless innings of relief in a win over Mid-Pacific

Kawai Scanlan, Iolani — Batted 4 for 5 with a triple, double, three RBI and four runs scored in a win over Pac-Five

Sadie Schilling, Lanai — Batted 3 for 3 with a triple, three RBI and three runs scored in a win over Molokai

McKenna Silva, Mid-Pacific — Batted 3 for 3 with a walk, RBI and two runs scored in a loss to Iolani

Miki Takara, Maryknoll — Batted 2 for 3 with four RBI and a run scored in a win over Sacred Hearts

Kiani Telles, Campbell — Batted 2 for 3 with a triple, double, two RBI and two runs scored

Mykala Tokunaga, Kamehameha-Hawaii — Batted 2 for 4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored and allowed one run on three hits in five innings pitched in a win over Konawaena

Elyse Tsutsui, Kaiser — Batted 3 for 5 with two RBI and two runs in a win over Roosevelt

Macy Uyehara, Iolani — Batted 3 for 3 with a walk and three runs scored in a win over Mid-Pacific

Divine Victorino, Sacred Hearts — Batted 2 for 4 with two RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in a loss to Saint Francis

Delcie Williams, Kailua — Drove in five runs and scored another in a win over Kaimuki

Kekai Wong-Yuen, Kamehameha-Hawaii — Batted 3 for 3 with a home run, four RBI, stolen base and two runs scored in a win over Pahoa

Tai Yamamoto, Molokai — Batted 2 for 3 with a triple and two runs scored in a loss to Lanai

Shayla Young, Castle — Batted 3 for 4 in a loss to Kailua