Lady Sabers Finish Softball Season Strong

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Should Campbell High pitcher Katie Manuma ever need a lobbyist, Pearl City coach Keoki Behic could probably fill the bill.

“She was definitely the best pitcher in the state - she dominated the entire year,” Behic said of Manuma, who was recently named OIA Player of the Year in the Red West Conference in a vote of league coaches.“She overpowered everybody. She’s a tremendous athlete and an asset. Campbell will be an even better team next year since she’ll likely be pitching every day.”

A junior, Manuma was the workhorse for Campbell on the mound during spring season, helping the team to a co-OIA Red West season title. The Sabers went on to advance to the semifinals of the league’s post-season tournament in addition to punching their ticket for another trip to the Division I State Softball Championships. Campbell’s 10-2 mark in the ultra-competitive Red West tied them with eventual state champion Mililani. The Trojans narrowly defeated them an epic battle at the state tournament.

Manuma’s selection is all the more impressive in that she was voted ahead of Mililani mainstay, Courtny Senas, who went on to be named Most Outstanding Player of the state tournament for leading the Trojans to the title.

Outfielder Brittany Garcia, designated player Dayleen Antonio and utility player Gerika Pantohan also were chosen for the First Team from Campbell, while Sabers coach David Perreira was picked for West Coach of the Year.

The Sabers also had Second Team selections in first baseman Taylor Rosa-Ramon and outfielder Randi Schoening, while Sharae Esprecion, Nicole Arata, Jacelyn Kim and Brianne Silve Kapihe earned Honorable Mention.

Kapolei had three players named to the First Team, including outfielder Kai Clark, pitcher Shananna Holt-Santiago and first baseman Alyssa Aipa. Pitcher Kahana Higa, shortstop Tehani Kaaihue, outfielder Dorian Acierto and designated player Aimee Aipa made the Second Team for the Hurricanes, who finished 13-6 overall en route to another state tournament appearance.

Receiving Honorable Mention from Kapolei were Mikela Manewa, Cherece Beyer, Brittni Crabbe and Kahana Higa.

Catcher Angie Sakamoto was Waipahu’s lone First Team selection. The Marauders also had five players - Kelsey Viliamu, Shanelle Sato, Joni Mendiola, Dara Aiwohi-Dutro and Alyssa Torres - received Honorable Mentions.

Outfielder Keani Passi was named to the Second Team from Pearl City, while Courtney Ahlo and Tiari Walker earned Honorable Mention.

In Division II, Rayna Strom-Okimoto (pitcher) and Emily Tausaga (designated player) were named to the OIA White Conference Second Team. Aiea High’s Na Ali’i, which made the Division II state tournament, also placed Nani Tyler-Gaison, Ashlei Li’ili’i, Ciana Russ, Hiilani Ahina, Tiara Fetui and Piilani Boner-Lee on the Honorable Mention team.