Senior Day at Pearl City delivered exactly the kind of energy you’d expect — emotion, big swings, and a little late-game drama — as the Chargers outlasted Kaiser, 13-10, in a back-and-forth battle.
Pearl City jumped early and built just enough cushion to survive a late Kaiser surge, improving to 7-6-0 behind a strong offensive showing led by Fun Factory VIP of the Game Kaiya Fujishige.
First-Inning Fireworks
The Chargers wasted no time setting the tone, erupting for four runs in the opening frame. That early punch carried into the second and third innings, where Pearl City added nine more combined runs to take a commanding 13-2 lead after three.
Fujishige anchored the offense with a huge day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs and multiple extra-base hits. Samantha Nakamatsu added a home run and two RBIs, while Aleia-Lyn Tonaki-Sagucio scored three runs to keep the lineup rolling.
Kaiser Battles Back
Despite the early deficit, Kaiser didn’t fold. The Cougars chipped away steadily, scoring in five different innings and putting together a late push that made things interesting.
Paisley Kuba led Kaiser with a 4-hit performance and two RBIs, while Mylah Burgess-Heely delivered a big day with four hits, five RBIs, and a home run. Madeline Nelson also contributed two runs and a triple as Kaiser piled up 16 hits as a team.
Holding the Line
Pearl City’s pitching staff had to weather that offensive pressure. Lilyanni Mata earned the win, allowing just two runs over three innings, while Haley Shinjo closed things out despite Kaiser’s late surge.
The Chargers’ defense also came up with key plays when it mattered most, committing just one error compared to Kaiser’s three — a difference that proved crucial in a tight finish.
Fun Factory VIP of the Game: Kaiya Fujishige
Fujishige’s all-around performance set the tone, earning her Fun Factory VIP of the Game honors. She consistently delivered in key spots, helping Pearl City build the early lead that ultimately held up.
PHOTOS BY DANIEL FUJITA
High-speed Hawai’i offense on full display in exhibition win over Hawaii Pacific
HONOLULU – Runnin’ Rainbow Wahine. The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team took to the floor for the first time under the leadership of first-year head coach Khalilah Mitchell on Wednesday night, dominating to the tune of a 90-38...
After years of change, HPU’s Maile Salang finds home in Hawai’i
HONOLULU – Before making her way to the islands, Maile Salang was a bit of a school nomad. From Oregon originally, Salang graduated high school in the Philippines. She split her time between two different elementary schools, two separate middle...
Kamehameha-Maui moves back into Top 25 of Lasquero’s Football Power Rankings
Michael Lasquero gives his Top 25 best teams in the state heading into the 12th weekend of the Hawaii High School Football season.1. Kapolei (7-1) Previous rank: 1 Last week: idle This week: idle Analysis: As the No. 1 seed in the OIA Open...
Sharks Weekly: HPU Women’s Basketball Builds on Experience, Unity Entering Year Two
Hawai‘i Pacific University women’s basketball enters its second season under head coach Brent Gibson with a stronger sense of identity and a roster looking to build on the foundation established a year ago. Gibson joined Sharks Weekly alongside...
Rainbow Wahine Invitational Tees Off with Purpose, Supporting Kaua‘i Hurricane Relief
KAUA'I, HAWAI'I – The 30th Rainbow Wahine Invitational is about more than golf this year, as the University of Hawai‘i's annual women's golf tournament brings together collegiate athletes and supporters to help Kaua‘i families recovering from...
Pair of clean sheets help Justin secure Mountain West Defense Player of the Week
HONOLULU – The leader of the “No Goal Patrol” keeps powering up. University of Hawai’i junior goalkeeper Kennedy Justin was named the Mountain West’s Defensive Player of the Week on Monday after helping the Rainbow Wahine soccer team extend its...
Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors
HONOLULU – Host a block party, reap the rewards after. University of Hawai’i middle blocker Miliana Sylvester was named the Old Trapper Mountain West Women’s Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week on Monday morning after posting 22 total...
New Mexico overcomes nightmare first half to hand fourth straight loss to Hawai’i
HONOLULU – The devil is in the details. Despite holding a double-digit halftime lead, committing less penalties and forcing more turnovers than the defense that entered the night pacing the country in total takeaways, the University of Hawai’i...
Postgame Notes & Quotes: Hawai‘i Falls to New Mexico After Second-Half Shutout
HONOLULU — Hawai‘i carried a 10-0 lead into halftime Saturday night but was unable to hold off New Mexico, falling 21-10 in its 75th Homecoming Game at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. The Rainbow Warriors (1-6, 0-4 Mountain West) held the...
Hawai‘i Looks to Turn the Page Against Surging New Mexico on Homecoming
HONOLULU — At the midway point of the season, Hawai‘i finds itself searching for answers. The Rainbow Warriors have remained competitive in stretches but have struggled to turn opportunities into victories, a trend they hope to reverse Saturday...






