‘Aiea picks up key OIA D2 softball win with 15-4 mercy-rule victory over Kailua

BY MICHAEL LASQUERO | HSRN
PUBLISHED APRIL 5, 2024

‘AIEA — After Thursday’s games, one team stands alone atop the OIA Division II softball standings.

Host ‘Aiea moved into first place of the conference with just one week left in the regular season with a key 15-4 mercy-rule win over Kailua at ‘Aiea Annex Field Thursday afternoon.

Na Alii earned their eighth straight win to improve to 10-1 and have control of their own destiny after sweeping the Surfriders (9-2) and splitting the regular season matchups against Radford (9-2).

The home team jumped ahead early in the bottom of the first when starting pitcher Cayleigh Naito hit a three-run homer to put ‘Aiea up, 3-0.

Na Alii then followed that up with a five-run rally in the bottom of the second to go up eight runs.

Mahealani Alayon drove in three runs in the top of the third to get Kailua back into it before ‘Aiea brought home seven more runs in the bottom of the frame.

Alayon, who also pitched 1 and 2/3 innings in relief of starter Kailee Kalama, drove in one more run in the top of the fifth for the final score of the game.

Naito finished with five total RBIs for Na Alii while batting 3-for-3 with two runs scored.

Other ‘Aiea players with multiple hits include Sophia Kaneshiro, Alina Faufata, CJ Peneueta and Taja Souza.