Greg Yamamoto | SL

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Greg Yamamoto | SL

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The Monarchs are once again Division II baseball royalty.

Damien didn't get much offense, but didn't really need it, as three pitchers combined to shut down Kapaa en route to a 3-1 win in the Wally Yonamine Foundation/HHSAA Division II state baseball championship held at Les Murakami Stadium.

"We had some concerns in the beginning of the year, who was going to play what, but you know we grinded and we just played hard," said Damien's Aaron Rapoza. "We always found a groove. We always found a way to win."

A wild first inning resulted in three runs scored without a single hit, as Kapaa starter Kaitin Mundon walked the lead off batter, saw a throwing error result in one run, then two hit batters load the bases. From there a balk brought in another run and a wild pitch one more, before Mundon finally was able to end the inning with strikeout.

Kapaa got a run back in the bottom of the first as Mundon led off the inning with a double then later came home on a fielding error to help his own cause, trimming the lead to 3-1.

The bottom of the second saw two more hits for the Warriors, but both runners were left stranded, and another baserunner was left hanging in the third.

From the fourth inning onward, the Monarchs retired the Warriors in order in every frame. Tana Seguancia, who came on in relief of starter Cade Lurito in the fourth, dazzled, needing just 32 pitches to retired 9 batters in a row, including four strikeouts.

"Cade was awesome man, he's been our starter for the whole season and he just does his job out there," remarked Rapoza. "Tana  just did his job, went out there, threw strikes and his defense made the plays."

Heading into the last of the seventh, it was likely no surprise to the Monarch faithful in attendance that it would be Rapoza closing things out, and as he has done all season, the senior shortstop/pitcher delivered.

Rapoza, who was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, struck out the first two batters before inducing a ground ball to short to end it. 

"There was no doubt we were going to go him," said Damien head coach Skyler Tengan. "He's been the guy for the last three years from his sophomore year, our closer, our dog. He didn't hit like he wanted to today, but he's been the heart and soul of this team for a long time."

Kapaa battled to the end, in particular Mundon, who shook off the opening inning to keep the Monarchs more than in check for the remainder of the contest.

He went the distance, allowing just two hits and three unearned runs, walking one and striking out six. He also was 2 for 3 at the plate with a run scored.

Since 2017, Damien has made six title game appearances, winning four of them, including 3 of the last 4.

When asked about whether or not the school would consider a move up to Division I, Tengan replied, "I mean we're going to enjoy this, take a step back and reevaluate what's for next year and we'll worry about that then."