Lady Hurricanes Have Talent To Spare
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usThe evidence that there’s indeed strength in numbers is overwhelming for the Kapolei softball team this pre-season.
To hear first-year head coach Stacie Mahoe tell it, she practically needs two lineup cards on each game day - not that depth isn’t a nice thing to have, of course.
“We have 21 on our squad, which is quite big,” said Mahoe, an assistant in the program for the past eight years to Tony Saffery, who now works with the junior varsity. “Usually we like to have less, but there were just so many who wanted to be a part of this. Seeing how they’ve all accepted their roles is something that we’ve looked forward to. We have multiple players who can help in various positions. Our talent level in general is definitely an asset.”
To be sure, there’s usually no direct line to becoming a standout amid the Hurricanes’ deep talent pool. But junior Dorian Acierto is plainly an exception. Like older sisters Ciara and Tajia before her, Dorian has been a natural on the field since she enrolled at Kapolei and will be a key component of the 2010 team in center field and at shortstop.
“She has natural ability to begin with,” Mahoe said.“In the past year, she’s also worked hard at improving. She’s raised her game. We can see it in her speed on the base paths and in the outfield. She’s very competitive, and it’s nice to have her in center field. She’s a quiet kid. She doesn’t say much, but when she does they listen.”
Acierto’s steady play and leadership will be big for the Hurricanes, who went 13-6 last season overall (9-3 in the OIA Red West), including a consolation title at the state softball championships. Also back in the fold from that team are seniors Brittany Crabbe, Tatiana Bailey, Kahana Higa and Alyssa Aipa. In addition, Campbell transfer Tanisha Aniya has quickly established her place on the roster and could prove a valuable performer in her last year of eligibility.
“She’s primarily looking at a pitching role,“Mahoe said. “It’s nice to see her on board. She’s been a positive influence on the field. She’s another one who works really hard.”
Aipa will anchor the infield at first base, while Crabbe is penciled in at second base and right field.
“Alyssa is a silent leader on the team - she’s also great in the classroom,” Mahoe said.“She’s solid on the corner at first, and she’s one of our main hitters.We’re looking at utilizing Brittany’s skills and quick release. She’s come a long way with her hitting. She’s been a bit of a surprise this year. She’s putting a lot of balls in play.”
Higa saw a lot of time on the mound as a sophomore and could become the team’s closer, Mahoe said. “She’s brings a nice change-of-pace in relief and may help in right or left (field). Her hitting has come a long way. She’s been hitting well in preseason.”
Elsewhere on the roster, Mahoe has a largely interchangeable group of players. “The others are definitely talented - we’ll have to see how they develop. Skill (level) is not something we worry about. Our pitching will probably be stronger than it has been the past few years. The stronger it is, obviously the easier it will make our season.
“(We’re focused) more on our mental approach,” she added. “Consistency is really what we’re shooting for with this team - being able to make the routine plays.”
Following a 16-game pre-season schedule, Kapolei is now in the midst of a nine-day layoff between games.
The Hurricanes open their Red West schedule March 16 at Leilehua.
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