OIA Softball
Late surge propels Kapolei to mercy-rule win over Kalani


ScoringLive staff
April 25, 2024, 8:39pm

  

Thu, Apr 25, 2024 @ [ 3:00 pm ]

Kapolei

18

Kalani

8

F/6TH 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Kapolei 2 02077X18171
Kalani 1 6 0010X853

W: Kandi Malama-Ahlo    L: Kadie Carpio

KLNI: Kylie Tanimura 1-3 2 runs 4 rbi HR; Naomi Stremick 1.6 IP 2 ER
KAP: Kandi Malama-Ahlo 4-4 4 runs 5 rbi dbl HR / 6.0 IP 7 ER 6 K




The Hurricanes are heading to the Division I state tourney.

Kapolei exploded offensively down the stretch, scoring seven runs in both the fifth and sixth innings en route to an 18-8 win over Kalani in the OIA Division I playoff quarterfinals.

Down 7-4 heading after four complete, the Hurricanes parlayed a leadoff walk, a hit batter, three singles and an error into five runs and the first lead since the first inning at 8-7, and ultimately chasing Kalani started Kadie Carpio from the game.

"I felt we just had to relax. We were kind of swinging for the fence and stuff and not getting what we wanted (early on) so we just slowed ourselves down," said Kapolei starting pitcher Kandi Malama-Ahlo.

The change at pitcher to Naomi Stremick did little to stop the momentum for Kapolei, who added three more runs in the frame before finally getting an inning ending ground out.

Kalani got a run back in the bottom of the fifth, but the Kapolei offensive onslaught continued, as three doubles and three singles translated into seven more runs, and forced yet another change at pitcher for the home team before finally getting an fly out to get out of the sixth.

In the last of the sixth, the Falcons got two runners on with two outs, but stranded both as a dropped third strike resulted in a throw to first that put an end to the contest.

Of note were batters three through five in the Hurricanes' order, Kayara Tuiloma (4 for 4, four runs, two RBI), Malama-Ahlo (4 for 4, four runs, five RBI, double, home run) and Harley Seminavage (3 for 4, two runs, RBI) that accounted for 10 of 18 runs scored while driving in eight of the total runs.

Malama-Ahlo also went the distance on the mound, allowing eight runs on five hits, striking out six and walking six to earn the win.

The visiting team jumped out to an early two run lead but saw the Falcons turn the tables with six runs scored in the bottom of the second, as one run scored when Harmony Kamalani was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and another as Rylie Kodama drew a walk with the bases still juiced.

That set the table for Kylie Tanimura who capped the inning with a grand slam home run to right that made it a 7-2 game.

Kapolei inched closer in the top of the third with two more runs before the explosion in the latter stages.

Every batter in the Hurricanes' lineup either scored a run or drove one in.

"I feel like this should give us a good confidence boost to hopefully get us there (to a championship)," said Malama-Ahlo. "We just need to play together as one, like we've been the last two games. Just need to see the ball and just hit it and just have fun."

Kapolei is assured a berth into the upcoming Division I state tournament with the victory, while Kalani needs a win over Moanalua in the fifth place semifinal in order to lock up a spot.




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