Waianae uses big inning to defeat Leilehua in OIA West opener, 11-5

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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.