Waianae uses big inning to defeat Leilehua in OIA West opener, 11-5
Waianae’s Karma Pestana celebrates in the on-deck circle after the Seariders score a run. Pestana was also the winning pitcher. | Photo: Daniel Fujita, HSRN
Wai’anae erupted for six runs in the third inning to defeat Leilehua 11-5 on Wednesday afternoon at Ka‘ala Neighborhood Park in the OIA Division I West softball opener for both teams.
The Seariders finished with 15 hits and used a balanced offensive effort to pull away after falling behind early, allowing two runs in each of the first two innings.
Wai’anae struck first in the top of the first inning when catcher Bailey Chee launched a solo home run to center field.
Leilehua responded quickly, taking a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the inning. Lily Whelehan highlighted the rally with a triple to center field. The Mules added two more runs in the second inning when Jasmine Domingo grounded out to drive in a run and Shaleea Ancheta-Ballesteros doubled down the left-field line to bring in another.
Trailing 4-1, the Seariders broke the game open in the third. Lyric Palu began the rally with an RBI double before Chee connected on a two-run home run to right field. Honesty Manuel later added a two-run double, and Hope Jones drew a bases-loaded walk to cap the six-run frame.
Honesty Manuel holding it down at first base for the Waianae softball team. | Photo: Daniel Fujita, HSRN
Chee finished with two home runs and four RBIs. She also tripled and scored a game-high three runs.
Karma Pestana earned the win in the circle for Wai’anae, allowing five runs on 13 hits over seven innings while striking out eight and walking one.
Pestana, Chee and Palu each recorded three hits to lead the Seariders’ offense. Manuel and Kelia Chun added two stolen bases apiece.
Waianae catcher Bailey Chee sent the ball out of the park twice in the Seariders’ win over Leilehua. | Photo: Daniel Fujita, HSRN
Whelehan and Anuhea Kauhane led Leilehua in the loss with three hits each.
Wai’anae will travel to face Campbell on Saturday, while Leilehua will look for its first OIA win at Kapolei the same day.
Three players to watch for in Hawaii-UNLV’s Week 1 matchup
HONOLULU – It’s time for another edition of the Ninth Island Showdown. The battle for the Golden Pineapple trophy will take a trip into the middle of the Pacific Ocean on Saturday as the University of Hawai’i hosts UNLV in a critical early-season...
Kapolei moves up to No. 2 in Lasquero’s latest HS Football rankings heading into September
Michael Lasquero gives his Top 25 best teams in the state heading into the fifth weekend of the Hawaii High School Football season.1. Mililani (3-0) Previous rank: 1 Last week: beat McClymonds (California), 50-0 This week: vs. Foothill (Nevada)...
Ford’s big day helps Stanford deny late Hawai’i comeback
Too many mistakes to overcome. The University of Hawai’i football team put fans through a rollercoaster ride on Saturday afternoon, ultimately faltering in the final minutes of the fourth quarter on “The Farm” as Stanford (1-0) scored twice in the...
All Division-I FBS College Football players with Hawaii-ties in 2026
The talent pool of football players from Hawai'i is deep. As the college football season is upon us, here is a list of all players with Hawai'i-ties that are on a Division-I FBS roster in 2026. Note: If any player is missing, please email...
Walker wins debut as Hawai’i handles Georgia Southern
HONOLULU – The newest era of Rainbow Wahine volleyball is under way. Under the direction of first-year head coach Joshua Walker, the University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team took care of business to begin the 2026 season with a four-set...
Kaimuki snaps 18-game losing streak with full team showing over Waialua
KALIHI – Bulldogs bite back. In Thursday night’s “Bulldog Bowl” at Farrington High School, it was the guys in green that got off a near three-year slide as the Kaimuki Bulldogs used a punishing rushing attack, timely special teams plays and...