OIA East: Kessell's pitching, hitting hard to beat

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Kailua's Courtney Kessell again was a force in the OIA East. Advertiser library photo

The Surfriders survived 1-0 scares from Roosevelt and Moanalua, and also won close games against Kaiser, 3-1, and Castle, 4-0.

Fortunately for Kailua, junior pitcher Courtney Kessell again proved to be an even bigger challenge for opponents. For her efforts in the pitcher's circle and at the plate, Kessell repeated as OIA East Player of the Year in a vote of coaches.

She was at her best in the closest games, going 2 for 3 with a double and pitching a one-hitter with 14 strikeouts and one walk in a 1-0 victory over Roosevelt. Three days later, Kessell again went 2 for 3 with an RBI and pitched another one-hitter with 13 strikeouts in a 1-0 win over Moanalua.

Kessell is joined on the East's all-star first team by Kailua shortstop Rusty Ann Borges, outfielder Tanisha Milca and left-handed catcher Erin Guerrero.

Castle and Moanalua each placed three players on the first team. Castle was represented by first baseman Lace Keaunui, second baseman Puna Waiolama and outfielder Audrey Ako.

Moanalua placed outfielder Kepua Lee, designated player Kandyce Love and utility player Mika Tanji.

Kaimuki third baseman Brandi Sasaki and Roosevelt pitcher Genoa Aiko round out the first team.

Kahuku's Bu Heffernan, Roosevelt's Clay Okamura and Kailua's Bernard Victor shared Coach of the Year honors. Roosevelt went 8-2 and finished third in the East. Kahuku went 7-3 and was fourth.