PAHOA – Welcome back Hawaii Prep, which is returning to BIIF Division II softball after not fielding a team last year.
Travis Bondallian takes over from longtime coach Betsy Tranquilli, who spent 13 seasons at HPA, starting the program from scratch.
“We’re hoping to be OK,” Bondallian said. “We’ve got a mix of league players and first-timers. We’ve got four soccer players, and they know how to compete. HPA is big on soccer.
“I’d like to try and turn the program around. I’ve coached in the Little League Gold Coast league for a long time.”
Ka Makani features impressive youth with sophomore pitchers Grace Kinau and Johanna Lorenzo and freshman Ellie DeRego, who will pitch and play in the infield and outfield.
If HPA can develop its pitching staff, maybe there’s a shot at the school’s first-ever BIIF postseason appearance.
The BIIF’s two top Division II teams, Kamehameha and Kohala graduated their aces. Konawaena, which lost to Kamehameha in the BIIF semifinals, also graduated its ace, Andi Uemura.
Honokaa is the only one to return an ace in Tehani Epenesa.
Despite losing ace Brooke Baptiste, who pitched most of the innings, the Warriors are still a favorite to win a ninth consecutive BIIF title with a powerhouse offense, led by Dioni Lincoln, Leiloa Bustamante, Kawai Kauahi Raquel, Kawehi Ili, and Kaula Martin.
If the ball is hit to the outfield, chances are DeRego or corner outfielders Lizzie Evans and Kahala Erskine, a pair of soccer players, will track it down.
“Both are athletic and fast,” Bondallian said.
The infield defense should be solid with DeRego or someone else at first, Kailena Akau, who’ll hit leadoff, at second, Ayano Kondo at shortstop.Third base is an open audition, and DeRego could also see time at catcher.
“She’s probably our strongest player,” Bondallian said. “She played T-ball with the boys and should have an easy transition to softball.”
Kondo, a junior from Japan, has displayed her athleticism at shortstop despite her inexperience as a rookie.
Bondallian’s daughter, Nicole, will be an assistant. She’s a former Kealakehe player and when she played her father remembers all the close finishes for a berth to the Division I state tournament.
His goal for Ka Makani is simple enough.
“I’m hoping for a winning season,” he said. “The long shot is to make the playoffs.”
In a year when teams are looking for pitching aces, HPA has a good a chance as anybody to make the playoffs.
