Brien Ing | SL

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Brien Ing | SL

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For the Pac-Five softball team, it all started with the bat of Karley Ann Yoshioka. Literally.

The senior shortstop was the leadoff batter for the team and was why the Wolfpack were able to bring home their first state title since 2011.

In the Division II title game against three-time defending state champion Nanakuli, Yoshioka scored three times in a 6-4 win and had a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the first inning.

She also made a key double play on her own in the top of the sixth against the Golden Hawks. With no outs and the bases loaded, Yoshioka caught a line drive and doubled off the runner at third to help the Wolfpack get out of a jam.

"That's the one that broke our back," said Nanakuli coach Ricky Gusman. "She seems to be the heartbeat of the team. When she has a good game, Pac-Five is in a good position to win."

Yoshioka, a four-year varsity player, consistently did her job as the leadoff batter in setting the stage for the Wolfpack offense, finishing with 22 runs for the year.

Experience and patience at the plate contributed to the senior shortstop's success during Interscholastic League of Honolulu play and the postseason. 

"She's a disciplined hitter and she doesn't go for any pitch," said Gusman. "It's very difficult when you fall behind the count with her at the plate."

Yoshioka finished her senior campaign with 15 RBIs on 23 hits, two doubles, three triples and four home runs, astounding numbers for someone that plays in a league that integrates Division I and Division II competition.

Pac-Five coach Cecil Hasegawa is the Division II Coach of the Year after guiding the Wolfpack to their fifth title in school history. Hasegawa's squad had four wins over Division I competition during the season to finish with a 10-6-1 record.

"I've known him for quite a while. He's a good coach and very humble," said Gusman. "There's no better person than Cecil to win this award. I tip my hat to him."

ALL-HAWAII DIVISION II SOFTBALL

Player of the Year: Karley Ann Yoshioka, Pac-Five
Coach of the Year: Cecil Hasegawa, Pac-Five

FIRST TEAM

Mykala Tokunaga
KS-Hawaii  •  Sr
Pitcher

Kanalei McCoy
Nanakuli  •  Jr
Pitcher

Kekai Wong-Yuen
KS-Hawaii  •  Sr
Catcher

Sammie Ofoia
Saint Francis  •  So
First base

Kama Kaeo
Nanakuli  •  Sr
Second base

Brazzlynn Tovio-Asato
PAC-5  •  Sr
Third base

Karley Ann Yoshioka
PAC-5  •  Sr
Shortstop

Kalyn Kershner
PAC-5  •  Fr
Outfield

Makena Wagner
KS-Hawaii  •  Sr
Outfield

Keani Sonognini-Keopuhiwa
Nanakuli  •  Sr
Outfield

Kiara Peterson
PAC-5  •  Jr
Designated player

Chantelle Shimabukuro
Aiea  •  Jr
Utility