Trojan Ladies Are Healthy And Ready To Take On Sabers
By Jack Danilewicz
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The Mililani softball team came up with some of its biggest efforts in its biggest games last season.
Whether or not her team can generate that momentum in time for this spring’s postseason remains to be seen, but coach Rose Antonio couldn’t help but like her team’s position heading into last weekend.
After an injury-riddled preseason,the Trojans had their entire lineup available last week when they opened OIA Red West play with a 4-2 win over Waipahu.
“What pleases me most is that we’re sticking together after all the injuries we had,“said Antonio, who led Mililani to a Division I OIA title last year as well as a runner-up finish at states.“We’re trying to get back into the groove. I’m pretty happy with where we’re at right now, and we haven’t played our best game yet.”
The Trojans visit Campbell at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in a key game. Campbell was a state-tournament qualifier last season and is stocked with veterans. They met recently in preseason with Mililani winning both games, but those outcomes should have little bearing on their preparation for Thursday’s contest.
“I feel like this is a big game for us, being that they’re one of the stronger teams in the West,“she said. “It’s the regular season now, and we’ll have to bring our ‘A’ game. Campbell’s a good team, and they have strong pitching. We expect an even tougher game against them this time, especially being that the game’s at their place.”
The Trojans’ hopes begin on the mound as well. In senior pitcher Makani Duhaylonsod, they boast one of the state’s top pitchers. She’s currently coming back into full playing shape following a knee injury.
“She’s at about 85 percent right now,“Antonio said.“She did a pretty good job against Waipahu, but she’s not at her best yet. She can get better.”
As expected, Duhaylonsod will get the start against Campbell. The Trojans also hope for big games from sophomore second baseman Kristi Oshiro, sophomore shortstop Courtney Senas and junior right fielder Glenelle Nitta.
Oshiro led the way in the season-opening win over Waipahu, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI while batting in the lead-off spot. “She brings speed,she runs the bases well and she has good instincts.She’s a well-balanced player.”
The Trojans pounded out 11 hits in all against Waipahu with Senas and Duhaylonsod complementing Oshiro’s efforts by collecting four hits and a pair of RBI between them. A similar offensive showing would go a long way against Campbell.
“We’ll need to hit to score - the game of softball goes both ways (offensively and defensively),” Antonio said. Following the Campbell game, Mililani has a sixday stretch, then returns to action March 26 versus Leilehua. Mililani and Campbell also will meet April 16 during the OIA’s second round.
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