It never hurts to ask.
UH-Hilo softball coach Callen Perreira previously held off contacting Kealakehe High athletic director Alan Vogt to check on the availability of the Waveriders’ softball field since public school fields were closed. However, with three of UHH’s games postponed last weekend and perhaps more on the way because of the constant wet weather in East Hawaii, he finally made the call this week.
“(Alan) said we just opened, and we’re starting to clear the field,” Perreira. “He said, ‘We knew you’d be calling.”’
The Vulcans may not be able to completely beat the rain, but they’ve greatly increased their odds, announcing Thursday that two weekend doubleheaders against Chaminade have been moved to Kailua-Kona. Previously scheduled for Walter Victor complex, the Vuls (1-0 PacWest) and Silverswords (2-0) will play twin bills at noon Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday at the Waveriders’ field.
During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, UHH played seven games at its home away from home, going 4-3. An eighth game was rained out.
“We got lucky,” Perreira said. “Alan has always been very accommodating with us.”
He also credited Kealakehe softball coach Loni Mercado and her staff with maintaining the field.
“They sent me a picture and it’s in very good shape, but even if they hadn’t, I knew it would be,” he said. “That’s always one of the most immaculate fields on the island.”
The Vuls managed to get one game in last weekend at Walter Victor, beating Hawaii Pacific 6-1 behind ace Valarie Alvarado. Freshman Sara Bhatt was pitching in the second game when it was canceled by rain, and Perreira said Bhatt and freshman Malia Risdall would be counted on to support Alvarado against the Silverswords. UHH’s other two pitchers – Leah Gonzalez and Nia Trinidad – are unavailable this weekend, he said.
Usually a pushover, Chaminade opened it season earlier this month with a head-turning result, sweeping HPU in a doubleheader for the first time in program history.
“Everybody was surprised,” Perreira said. “Chaminade has improved a lot.”
He said one weekend forecast he looked at for Kailua-Kona called for a 50% chance of rain.
“I’ll take my chances,” Perreira said. “It can’t be worse than (Hilo).”
According to a UHH release, fans are not allowed at UHH games this season because of county pandemic rules, but contests are streamed via the school website.
