Keao Clan Part Of Rebirth Of Waialua Softball Program

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The Bulldogs were the undisputed “feel good story” of the spring prep season, but don’t expect them to be content to merely be a part of next week’s Division II state softball championships. They expect to be a factor.

“Everyone will step it up a level in the state tournament, and we expect to step up the level of our own play as well,” said coach Jay Keao,whose team takes a 10-3 record into this week.“It’s been a great experience for me. I don’t know when the last time they made states here, but we’re looking forward to it.”

A solid run through the tournament would be an ideal curtain-closer for a program that has overcome more than most to return to the high-rent district of Island softball. This spring was the first time in three years they were able to attract enough players to even field a team. A storybook season, in which Waialua went 9-2 to finish as the OIA White Conference runner-up to Waianae,followed.Although they dropped a tough 3-2 decision to Kaiser in the OIA semifinals last Thursday, Keao was confident they would regroup in time for last Friday’s third-place game against Waianae.

“It’s a big accomplishment - especially for a small school like Waialua,” said Keao, who is in his third stint as Waialua’s coach.“Not having enough girls was hard, but this year we started with 14,and right now we still have 14. I guess it’s a blessing we got this far, but we’re going to keep striving.Anything can happen.”

The catalyst for the turnaround has been Keao’s daughter Marissa. A junior transfer from Kahuku,she’s been the workhorse on the mound for the Bulldogs. Offensively, she’s also helped her own cause as one of the more productive hitters.

“She’s been hitting her spots,using her fastball, and mixing it up with some off-speed stuff,” Keao said “She’s been holding up pretty well. Sometimes she’s had to pull the weight (of the team).”

In mid April, Marissa was at her most dominating, posting consecutive no-hitters in wins over Nanakuli and Radford. She tallied 17 strikeouts in those games combined and added a home run against Nanakuli. She also went 3-for-3 at the plate in a loss to Waianae that same week, and she pitched a no-hitter versus McKinley and a one-hitter against Nanakuli.

Keao also praised the clutch play of infielder Althia Dicion, out-fielder Jessica Temblor and third baseman Ashley Carillo.

“Althia’s played a big role with our defense. She’s made some diving catches for us, and she’s been hitting a lot.Jessica has played well.She’s one of our sophomores, so she’ll be back. Speed is Ashley’s strength - she’s pretty quick,” he added of Carillo who also played on the football and soccer teams.

Although they were limited to two runs in their loss to Kaiser last week, the Bulldogs have made strides, offensively, according to Keao.

“We always try to get our batting in every day at practice, and we’ve been hitting the ball pretty well and posting some runs. It (state tournament) will come down to a lot of things, including who makes the least amount of mistakes.