Kapolei Softball Has A Packed Week Of Games Ahead

Wednesday - April 09, 2008
By Jack Danilewicz
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While solid veteran leadership has carried the Kapolei softball team to the midway point of its Oahu Interscholastic Association’s post-season, head coach Tony Saffery won’t underestimate the impact of a relative newcomer - sophomore pitcher Kahana Higa.

“She’s been a gem,” Saffery said of Higa. “She’s not real big in stature, but she responds well, and (senior catcher) Ashlynn (Ashby) has worked real well with her.We’ve decided to go with her as our ‘go-to’ person for the second half of the season.”

The Hurricanes, who took a 4-2 record into the weekend, are in the midst of a critical stretch in their schedule that began with a game on Tuesday against Campbell. The Sabers entered the weekend tied with Mililani for first in the West with a 5-1 record and handed Kapolei one of its only two losses of the season (6-2) on March 29. On Thursday, the Hurricanes meet Leilehua, also 4-2 heading into last weekend’s action, at Kaala Elementary School at 3 p.m. in another key encounter. A game with winless Aiea follows April 19, with a much-anticipated match-up against Mililani set to follow April 23 (7 p.m.) at Central Oahu Regional Park.


While the teams are especially familiar with each other the second time around, Saffery has put all the emphasis on his own team rather than a scouting report.

“If we put out that maximum effort, I think we can fare well with everyone else out there,” said Saffery, who led Kapolei to OIA titles in 2004 and 2005.

Pitching has always played no small role in helping to settle what has traditionally been a close race in the West, and Saffery acknowledged that Higa benefits from being relatively unknown within the league, although that is likely to change.

“A lot of teams are less familiar with her,” he said of Higa.“She has an unorthodox movement on her ball - a spin that is hard to hit.”

Prior to Higa’s elevation to a starter, the Hurricanes were going largely with Kai Clark and Shavanna Holt-Santiago to begin games. Higa’s development has enabled Saffery to have Clark and Holt-Santiago at third base and left field, respectively, positions where they can better help the team, according to their coach.


Veteran leadership has also paid dividends this year for the Hurricanes, who have received stellar senior seasons from Ka’ili Smith and Ashby, as well as junior Tehane Kaaihue. The trio rate among the West’s best at their respective positions, while Saffery also praised the play of up-and-coming second baseman Dorian Acierto.

As the Hurricanes look ahead to Thursday’s game with Leilehua, a fast start is much on their minds.

“Leilehua is playing good ball, and they had us playing catch-up most of the game the last time we played them,” said Saffery, recalling Kapolei’s hard-fought 6-5 win on March 18.“They have two or three kids in their lineup that can create havoc.”

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