Pearl City continues perfect season, claims first OIA crown in 46 years

HONOLULU – The drought is over. 

The Pearl City varsity softball team jumped on Aiea (8-3) early and never let go of the lead late, continuing an undefeated season while securing the 2025 Oahu Interscholastic Association Division II title with a 10-2 victory over Na Ali’i on Friday night at McKinley High School. The victory was the first time since 1979 that the Chargers (11-0) emerged from the OIA as champions and the third total league title in program history. 

Freshman pitcher Haley Shinjo earned the win for the Chargers, going 5.1 innings and striking out three as she allowed just two runs on seven hits and a trio of walks. Pearl City reached base frequently, tallying 12 hits and using six Na Ali’i errors to take a 5-0 lead through two innings before adding some cushioning in the bottom of the sixth with a four-spot. 

Pearl City catcher Phoenix Lumabao went 2-for-2 with four runs scored and another run batted in, stroking a solo homer in the bottom of the fourth inning. Second baseman Samantha Nakamatsu went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and third baseman Maile Oda also collected a trio of RBIs with a 2-for-4 showing at the plate. 

Aiea starting pitcher Chrijon Peneueta faced trouble from the jump, seeing Na Ali’i opt to swap hurlers to Taja Souza as early as the opening frame to try and keep Pearl City off balance. Defensive woes and the Chargers’ constant peppering of pitches opened the game up and Aleia-Lyn Tonaki-Sagucio closed the door for the regular season OIA D2 leaders. 

Both teams already had clinched spots in next week’s 2025 DataHouse/HHSAA Division II Softball Championship tournament, which will begin on May 6 and run through May 9 between McKinley High School and Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.