Campbell wins first-ever girls flag football state title on a prom-ising night

Campbell wins first-ever girls flag football state title on a prom-ising night

May 4, 2025

The Campbell Sabers girls flag football team pose for a photo after winning the first-ever state championship in the sport after a 6-0 win over Leilehua Saturday night. | Photo Credit: CJ Caraang, Special to HSRN

Campbell wins first-ever girls flag football state title on a prom-ising night

BY MICHAEL LASQUERO | HSRN
PUBLISHED MAY 4, 2025

MILILANI — As the quarterback of the Campbell girls flag football team, senior Maya Gonsalves is used to making decisions.

Her choices on Saturday night turned into a moment that will last for eternity.

Gonsalves and the Sabers became the first-ever Hawai’i girls flag football state champions after a 6-0 win over Leilehua at John Kauinana Stadium in the sport’s inaugural season that the state adopted it as an official sport in high school athletics.

The senior quarterback also was responsible for the only points of the game which came on a 33-yard scramble in the first quarter before the defense did the rest with the Sabers’ sixth shutout win of the year, their second in as many nights.

“It feels amazing to be a part of history and winning states for the first year ever for girls flag football,” said Gonsalves.

When Campbell (11-2) defeated Mililani, 14-0, on Friday in the semifinals of the Hawai’i Dental Service / HHSAA state tournament, the Sabers knew their roster for the championship was going to be thinner with the school’s senior prom being held that same night.

But Gonsalves, the lone senior in the Sabers’ starting lineup, had her priorities in order.

“This is very much important and I don’t regret the decision I made at all,” Gonsalves said about forgoing her senior prom.

“Knowing I came this far, I wasn’t going to bail out on my girls and we made each other proud.”

Gonsalves’ decision-making also gave the Sabers the necessary points needed to win the crown.

Campbell senior Maya Gonsalves celebrates in the end zone after scoring the state championship game’s only touchdown in the first quarter. | Photo Credit: CJ Caraang, Special to HSRN

Leilehua (10-3) played man coverage against Campbell early on in the championship game, which gave Gonsalves a prime opportunity to tuck the ball and run without no one accounting for her when she got sprung free away from the Mules’ pass rusher.

“It was a passing play, but when I went through my reads and seen that everything was covered, I checked the pukas (openings) and I took it home,” Gonsalves said.

Coach Will Naboa was ecstatic for his girls after the championship win.

“For these girls, it means everything because I know the work they put in, day in and day out, the long nights giving up stuff, sacrifice, for goodness sakes (Maya) had to sacrifice her senior prom, so there’s no one more deserving of this honor and title. Again, nobody can take this away from them, first-ever state champs.”

Sophomore Shaleah “Lala” Moore was named the tournament’s most outstanding player for the Sabers. In the championship game she recorded nine flag pulls, three for loss, one sack, two pass breakups and one quarterback hurry.

Jaynalyn Sotelo (1) high fives Shaleah Moore (2) after Campbell made a stop on defense against Leilehua. | Photo Credit: CJ Caraang, Special to HSRN

“It feels amazing, I love this feeling, I love winning and I’m just so happy,” said Moore, who finished the four-day tournament with nine total sacks.

Jaynalyn Sotelo recorded two interceptions and Aiesha DeWeever had another in the championship win and was also named to the all-tournament team. Sotelo also had the game-sealing interception on the final play of the game.

“I can’t say anymore good things about our defense,” said Naboa. It’s not where we just stay stationary or basic zone. We have so many plays on defense just as much on offense and the way they’re able to adjust on the fly I think that’s what separates our team versus anybody else. We’re able to adjust the girls are able to communicate.”

Mililani sneaks past Kaiser for OIA crown behind late-inning heroics

Mililani sneaks past Kaiser for OIA crown behind late-inning heroics

Apr 27, 2025

The 2025 Mililani Trojans, OIA Division I champions. | Photo Credit: Ku’ulei Agbayani, HSRN

Mililani sneaks past Kaiser for OIA crown behind late-inning heroics

BY PAUL BRECHT | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED APRIL 27, 2025

HONOLULU – One night was perfection. 

The next night felt like it again. 

The Mililani varsity baseball team clinched the fifth league title in program history on Saturday night, clipping Kaiser in the OIA Division I championship game at Hans L’Orange Park in Waipahu, 2-1. Senior pitcher Kaleb Wada tossed a complete game one-hitter, allowing just four total baserunners across seven innings just one night after teammate Kai Hirayama threw a perfect game in the semifinals. 

The Trojans have won four of the six OIA Division I titles since 2018, bringing home hardware in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2025. There were no tournaments in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

After the first 12 batters were set down in order for Kaiser, the Cougars broke the scoreless tie in the top of the fifth inning. Right fielder Caleb Hamasaki socked a double and moved to third on an E6, scoring with Jackson Wood’s sacrifice fly to give Kaiser a 1-0 lead. 

Mililani was quick to answer, seeing the first three batters reach after allowing the go-ahead run as Malosi Mataafa-Alferos singled, Koa Marzo dropped down a perfect bunt single and University of Hawai’i-commit Aukai Araujo-Waiau got hit by a pitch to load the bases with nobody out. 

Sophomore first baseman Jonah Parker delivered the crushing blow – a well-struck RBI single right up the middle that scored the tying and eventual winning run for Mililani, making it 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth. 

Re-energized by the instant offensive response, Wada returned to form to sit down six of the final seven Kaiser batters (the lone base runner was a two-out HBP in the top of the seventh inning) and clinch Mililani’s fifth OIA baseball title in program history. 

Kaiser starting pitcher Kanai Pratt-Faitu was charged with the hard-luck loss despite throwing a gem himself, going 6.0 innings and allowing two runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out six.  

Both teams will see their seasons continue next week on Maui, traveling to Iron Maehara Stadium and battling May 7-10 to decide the 2025 Wally Yonamine Foundation Baseball Division I State Championship. 

Farrington’s flaming finish finds an OIA Division II title at the end

Farrington’s flaming finish finds an OIA Division II title at the end

Apr 27, 2025

The 2025 Farrington Govs, OIA Division II champions. | Photo Credit: Ku’ulei Agbayani, HSRN

Farrington’s flaming finish finds an OIA Division II title at the end

BY PAUL BRECHT | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED APRIL 27, 2025

HONOLULU – For the second time ever on the baseball diamond, the Farrington Governors are OIA champions. 

The Govs (9-2-1) completed a scorching hot three-week stretch with an OIA Division II title on Saturday, climbing above the Kapolei Hurricanes (9-2) to an 8-5 victory at Hans L’Orange Park in Waipahu. Using a whopping 17 free passes (15 walks, two hit batters), fourth-seeded Farrington needed just two hits all game to pull off a second upset in as many days as they closed April with a flurry of success. 

Kyle Hayase-Fong earned the win for the Govs, going 4+ innings and hitting a three-run home run to help his own cause before giving way to Thomas Nakashima for the save. Nakashima provided 3.0 steady innings on the mound in relief, helping Farrington escape a jam in the fifth inning and shutting down the Hurricanes’ offense after. 

Nakashima also turned in a perfect day at the plate, drawing five walks and earning two RBI at the top of the Govs’ lineup. The shortstop-turned-closer also scored two runs for Farrington, helping deliver the program’s first league title since 2018. 

Kapolei right fielder Brock Pamatigan tried to will the No. 2-seeded Hurricanes back to life with a 3-for-4 showing at the plate, scoring two runs and knocking in another in the loss. Halona Felix was tagged with the loss, going 2.2 innings and giving up four runs on eight walks and one big bases-clearing double to Farrington catcher Paul Hioki Jr. in the second inning. 

After falling on April 2 to Waianae, 3-2, Farrington has not lost. The Govs tied three days later against Radford, 9-9, but then ripped off five straight wins with different styles of play. From pitching duel victories to outscoring opponents in an offensive battle, Farrington has figured out ways to win while beating a few very talented squads. 

Both Farrington and Kapolei clinched spots in next week’s 2025 Wally Yonamine Foundation Baseball Division II State Championships with the OIA title game appearance. The Division II tournament runs from May 8-10 and will be played at Les Murakami Stadium on the campus of the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.  

Mililani completes back-to-back quest, rolls by Moanalua for D1 OIA crown

Mililani completes back-to-back quest, rolls by Moanalua for D1 OIA crown

Apr 27, 2025

The 2025 Mililani Trojans, OIA Division I champions. | Photo Credit: Ku’ulei Agbayani, HSRN

Mililani completes back-to-back quest, rolls by Moanalua for D1 OIA crown

BY PAUL BRECHT | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED APRIL 27, 2025

HONOLULU – Dynastic dynamos.  

The Mililani varsity softball team completed its bid for back-to-back OIA Division I crowns, securing a run-rule victory over Moanalua Na Menehune (10-4) in six innings on Friday at McKinley High School. The win marked the Trojans’ 13th championship in program history, the second-most among all OIA schools in softball and trailing only Kailua’s 14 league titles. 

The defending Division I state champions, Mililani (12-1) rolled through the OIA Division I tournament with run-rule wins over Waianae and Kalani in the quarterfinals and semifinals on Wednesday and Thursday as they posted 33 runs while allowing only four in the two contests. Friday’s game was no different, jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning before adding another four-spot in the bottom of the fifth. 

Hinano Bautista spun a gem for the Trojans, earning the victory after going a complete 6.0 innings while allowing five hits with seven strikeouts and only one walk, holding Na Menehune scoreless for the first time all year. Seven different Mililani players brought runs home as the defending OIA and HHSAA Division I champions flexed their might through six frames. 

Moanalua center fielder Hunter Jackson turned in a strong effort for the fourth-seeded Na Menehune, going 2-for-3 with a double in the loss. Moanalua mustered five hits in total as the program’s search for its first OIA title on the softball diamond continued despite surprising upsets over Campbell and OIA Division I East regular season leader Kaiser. 

Kamryn Aoki finished the deal for Mililani in the bottom of the sixth, roping an RBI base hit down the third baseline with the bases juiced to toll into run-rule ending territory. Aoki went 2-for-5 on the night in all, driving in the game-ending run as Mililani looked the part of a state champion ready to defend its crown. 

Both teams will continue playing next week, already having clinched spots in the 2025 DataHouse/HHSAA Division I Softball Championship tournament. The state tournament will begin on May 6 and run through May 9 at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium and McKinley High School. 

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

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

Apr 27, 2025

The 2025 Pearl City Chargers, OIA Division II champions. | Photo Credit: Ku’ulei Agbayani, HSRN

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

BY PAUL BRECHT | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED APRIL 27, 2025

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. 

Moanalua pounces on Mililani to win first-ever OIA girls flag football title

Moanalua pounces on Mililani to win first-ever OIA girls flag football title

Apr 18, 2025

 

The Moanalua girls flag football team holds up the OIA championship plaque after defeating Mililani for the inaugural championship, 25-6. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Moanalua pounces on Mililani to win first-ever OIA girls flag football title

BY MICHAEL LASQUERO | HSRN
PUBLISHED APRIL 18, 2025

MILILANI — In the first-ever OIA girls flag football title game, the old saying still rings true — defense wins championships.

Moanalua came up with two early takeaways and jumped out to a 13-0 lead en route to a 25-6 win over Mililani in a battle of two undefeated teams for the league crown at John Kauinana Stadium Thursday night.

“It’s an amazing feeling because we’re here,” said Moanalua junior quarterback Zaira Sugui. “We’re playing, we’re balling out. A lot of us girls are playing the game that we love on the field. Yeah, we’re in their hometown, but we sure did ball out and we just trusted ourselves. We came in with a good mindset. We stood calm, we weren’t in our heads, we just went out there and showed them what we’re all about.”

Na Menehune (8-0) set the tone on the first play of the game when freshman Lofa Simanu intercepted a Zenn Nelson-pass that was deflected off the hands of a Mililani receiver. Four plays later Sugui found freshman Jodie Keo over the middle for a 3-yard score. The duo hooked up again on the conversion to give Moanalua a 7-0 lead.

The next pass by Nelson also ended up in the hands of Simanu, although this time she was able to return the interception 35 yards for a score to make it a 13-0 game four minutes into the contest.

The Moanalua girls flag football team celebrates in the end zone after Lofa Simanu (1) returned an interception for a 35-yard TD. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“It was just minor mistakes that we capitalized on,” said Moanalua coach Ladd Mokiao, whose team held the Trojans (7-1) to just 90 yards of offense.

“Those two picks helped us get the lead early and it helped us where we can play comfortable and then lean on our defense to stop them and win the game at the end.”

Instead of trying to chase down the shifty-Nelson behind center, Na Menehune looked to keep her in the pocket with pass rusher Kaia Borje-Peeples keeping contain on Nelson, who accounted for all the touchdowns in the Trojans’ previous three games.

The defense also played tight coverage with Jailyn Smith keeping an eye over the middle and the likes of Marisa Lam and Simanu on the perimeter for the out-breaking routes.

“We came up with a game plan where she needed to beat us with her arms, and not her legs, because all the teams she was beating, she’s a helluva of an athlete, but she was beating everybody with her legs and she was putting the team on her back and just marching them down the field,” said Mokiao.

Moanalua’s Kaia Borje-Peeples gives chase to Mililani’s Zenn Nelson in the OIA championship game. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

The end result saw Moanalua come away with five total interceptions, three of them by Simanu. Sugui and Keo also had one apiece while Smith came close with two pass breakups. Borje-Peeples also notched three sacks and had a team-high five flag pulls.

The duo of Sugui and Keo hooked up a total of nine times to the tune of 106 yards and three TDs against the Trojans. Keo’s second TD of the game was from 33 yards out to give Moanalua a 19-0 lead midway through the second quarter while her final scoring pass of the night was on a 2-yard pass late in the third quarter.

The freshman receiver’s final stat line for league play saw her finish with 56 receptions for 876 yards and 18 TDs in eight OIA contests.

“She has a very big future,” Mokiao said of Keo, who earned HSRN’s ‘VIP of the Game’ award, presented by Fun Factory Games.

Mokiao added that they call Keo ‘MJ,’ referencing her to NBA legend Michael Jordan.

“She can go up for the ball, she’s fast, she plays like a boy, plain and simple. She can take on boys and ‘moss’ boys too, offensively and defensively. It’s hard to find a girl like that. Sometimes, it’s like a diamond in the rough, and I got one, I got lucky.”

Moanalua freshman WR Jodie Keo looks for some running room after catching a pass from Zaira Sugui. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Sugui finished the game completing 19 of her 27 passes for 208 yards. Although she threw three interceptions against her three TD passes, she never seemed to let the moment rattle her or her teammates, drawing on her experience as a two-time state champion.

“Being a state champion helped me become a leader on this team because wrestling is all about mentality so I just had to really put my mentality into football by leading the team and continuing to show them that they don’t need to be scared,” said Sugui.

“They just have to trust themselves, believe in themselves and when they step on that field, it’s just you against you, no matter who we challenge.”

The Trojans avoided the shutout in the fourth quarter when Brooke Kurasaki found Nahealani Choy Foo on a 5-yard TD pass.

Choy Foo, Ayreeana Manutai and Sienna Maafala each recorded interceptions to lead Mililani in the loss.

The two teams are among seven OIA teams to represent the league in the inaugural state tournament in a few weeks. Joining Moanalua and Mililani in the 16-team field will be Campbell, Nanakuli, Leilehua, Waianae and Kahuku.