Teams Cull Softball All-Stars

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The Lady Knights have overcome their unusually young lineup to make the state softball tournament for the second straight year. And although the season is now firmly in the books, the afterglow continues for Castle,with four players named First Team All-Stars in a recent vote of Red East coaches.

Earning First Team honors were first baseman Leisha Li’ili’i, second baseman Kaitlyn Wills, third baseman Maycee Moe and utility player Chandelle Dacosin, also the team’s ace on the mound.

Although Dacosin has completed her eligibility, sophomores Moe, Li’ili’i and Wills all have two years remaining.

Outfielder Brooke-Lee Kaulula’au and designated hitter Britanny Hawn were both named to the Second Team. Hawn was a freshman this season, while Kaulula’au was a sophomore. In all, five of the school’s six All-Conference players return next year, a fact that should automatically place the Knights among the favorites in the East.Also back are Kalena Lessary and Kaisha Dacosin, both Honorable Mention for the Knights. Lessary came on late this season and was named to the All-Tournament team last month along with Li’ili’i.

Head coach Jon Berinobis still sees his club as a work in progress.

Castle finished the OIA portion of its schedule at 11-5 for a second straight year before moving on to the Division I State Softball Championships, where they were defeated by Campbell (5-1) in the consolation final.The Knights had tied for second in the East with Kailua at 9-3, two games back of season champion Roosevelt. Castle defeated Waipahu (9-5) and Campbell (4-3) to advance to the semifinals of the OIA Tournament, where it was beaten by Roosevelt, 2-1. The Knights lost the third-place game to Kapolei by an identical 2-1 score the following day.

“We were much better than we were last year,” said Berinobis, who had eight players make either the First or Second team in 2008, despite having only 10 players on their roster.“We’re still a play or swing away from winning the big one, but the girls worked hard this year.We always expect to do good, and next year they should come back more groomed and experienced. Hopefully, that will help. Expectations will be high for next year.”

Kailua had three players - catcher Johnna-Lynn Pedro, pitcher Jaeleen Johnson and outfielder Tiffany Pereza - named to the First Team, while infielder Shelby Lono and outfielders Kawehi Hall and Ehu Naki made the Second Team.

Receiving honorable mention from Kailua, which finished its season at 9-5 overall, were Saige Manatad, Zsalei Kamaka, Destiney Chang, Dancel Williams and Dionne Naki.

In Division II, Kalaheo designated player Noelani Maglinti made the White Conference’s First Team after helping lead the team to fifth place at the DII State Softball Championships. Pitcher Caira Pires made the Second Team, while team-mates Kahale Ka’ahoi, Sarah Fitzherbert, Hii Olson and Alisa Kala-Pasa earned Honorable Mention.