KEAAU – Two games does not a season make, but if this is what Hilo can come to expect from Zoe Cabarloc, then the Vikings are set at pitcher and at the leadoff spot.
KEAAU – Two games does not a season make, but if this is what Hilo can come to expect from Zoe Cabarloc, then the Vikings are set at pitcher and at the leadoff spot.
The junior right-hander fired a five-hitter Thursday against Keaau and collected four more hits as Hilo spoiled the Cougars’ debut on their refurbished softball field with a 5-2 victory in BIIF Division I.
Coming off an opening-day start in which she pitched good enough to win against Waiakea, Cabarloc struck out eight with no walks and allowed only four baserunners after the second inning.
‘This is what we expect of her,” coach Kelly Galdones said of his third-year starter. “It took time for her to get into a groove (today).
“We’re trying to get her a little bit stronger and more conditioned.”
Cougars’ right-hander Caitlyn Calhoun has improved in her own right, and she kept the Vikings (1-1) from putting together a big inning until they played small-ball in the fifth inning to score four runs.
Trailing 2-1, Moana Pinner (2 for 4) led off the inning with a single to center and Hilo loaded the bases on consecutive bunt singles by Gaylynn Ha (2 for 4) and Ka’iu Maukele (2 for 4), setting the table for Haylee Nishijima, who ripped a run-scoring hit to left. On the play, the go-ahead run came in on an error.
“That’s what we were trying to do from the beginning,” Galdones said. “I told the girls that we have to start scoring runs because with Keaau, anything is possible.”
Angelina Wright hit a sacrifice fly, and after Cabarloc reached on an infield single, Mandi Kawaha’s blooper fell in short right to bring in another run.
Kawaha also finished with two hits, while Cabarloc has seven in three games, including two doubles.
Cougars coach Peter Ngirngotel said Calhoun made only one mistake, the inside pitch that Nishijima pounded.
“She’s a senior now, so hopefully she’s settling down,” he said.
Her stat line read much better than an 18-14 win at Honokaa last Saturday, and she showed better command than she did much of last season, walking five and striking out four in a complete game.
“If she gets in trouble, I go out there and tell her I’m going to put somebody else in,” Ngirngotel said. “You have to play with her mind sometimes. A little psychology goes along way.”
So does a renovated field.
The Cougars (1-1) played at Shipman Park last season as their field was worked on, and the features include new dugouts, infield dirt and an outfield grass that is still a work-in-progress.
“By the end of the season, it should be even better,” Ngirngotel said.
Sparked by singles by Nohea Quilinderino (2 for 4) and Mahea Respicio, Keaau scored both of its runs in the first. Taylor Hacoba, the team’s only senior besides Calhoun, finished with a hit and RBI.
The Cougars also looked more sure-handed in the field than they did last year in finishing 3-12.
“We should be a little better than last year,” Ngirngotel said. “More experience and the more they play the more comfortable they become.”
Kohala 15, Hawaii Prep 5
Jurnee Keawe fueled an 11-run uprising in the second inning with a double that brought in three runners, and she pitchedm four innins to get the win in Kapaau.
Keiko Yamura and Laila Caravalho each had two hits and two RBIs for the Cowgirls (3-0) and Kayla Joy Juan Kealoha hit a run-scoring double.
In the circle, Keawe allowed three hits, five runs – none earned – with three strikeouts and two walks.
Sara Heymann, Sakura Remsen and Hillary Connors each collected two hits for Ka Makani (0-3). Emily Fong took the loss.
Konawaena 12, Honokaa 1
Shaylann Grace struck out six in a five-inning complete game as the visiting Wildcats improved to 2-0.
Erin Kaimuloa Bates hit a two-run double to highlight a nine-run fifth inning for Konawaena. The inning included five walks and four errors.
Grace allowed only five hits, two to Sarah Sedillo.
Alexis Martinez pitched 4 1/3 innings for the Dragons (1-3), allowing one hit, five runs – two earned – with six strikeouts and four walks.
Waiakea 18, Pahoa 2
Brandee Chinen enjoyed a huge day at the play, hitting a home run and tripling as part of a 3-for-3 day with seven RBIs for the host Warriors (4-0)
Jolene Hirata pitched four innings for the victory, and Loke Mackwelung hit a two-run home run.
Kamalani Santos was the losing pitcher for the Daggers.
Kamehameha 25, Ka’u 0
The Warriors opened their season in Pahala by scoring 18 runs in the first inning, getting a two-run home run by Leiloa Bustamante.
Brooke Baptiste struck out seven in the three-inning TKO, walking three.
Kiarra Lincoln had three hits, including a triple.
Lei Chun Galban Kin In took the loss for the Trojans (2-1).