Posted on: Tuesday, March 8, 2005
SOFTBALL ALL-STARS • O'AHU LEAGUES
Selected by coaches of respective leagues
OIA WEST
Gusman-Brown led breakthrough
| • | ILH: Punahou's Weisskopf sparked 14-0 run |
| • | OIA EAST: Kessell got it done on mound, at plate |
| • | OIA DIVISION II: Noga keyed Waipahu's title run |
| • | Notebook: Moanalua, Kamehameha cheer champs |
| • | Game breakers |
By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer
For six years, Pearl City played in the shadow of O'ahu Interscholastic Association powerhouse Mililani, which won 73 of 76 regular and postseason games during that span.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser The Chargers also made a breakthrough on postseason honors, with Marina Gusman-Brown and Keoke Behic being named Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively.
Gusman-Brown played a direct role in lifting Pearl City into Mililani's previously reserved perch atop the West.
Before a statewide television audience on Jan. 21, she pitched a two-hitter, struck out eight and scored a run to lead the Chargers past the Trojans, 3-0.
When not using her skills as one of the division's top power pitchers, Gusman-Brown batted .545 and was one of the league's top clutch hitters.
Four other Pearl City players were named to the West's All-Star first team: first baseman Lauren Fujisaki, second baseman Kanani Numata, outfielder Shanna Vierra and utility player Krystal Plunkett.
Mililani placed four on the first team: shortstop Kimberly Goo, outfielder Ciera Senas, catcher Skye Virtudes and designated player Elsa Apo.
Kapolei had three first-team selections: third baseman Austi Paris, outfielder Ka'ili Smith and pitcher Tajia Acierto.
Paris, the West's most feared home run hitter, and Senas, a speedy fielder and leadoff batter, are the only repeat first team selections.
Fujisaki, Smith, Virtudes and Apo are freshmen.
Behic, in his second season as the Chargers' head coach, was honored for guiding a youthful team with only two seniors to the West championship. Pearl City won the title despite having three freshmen in the starting lineup.
But this season, Pearl City finally broke the Trojans' stranglehold on the OIA West championship and won the title with an 11-1 record.
Marina Gusman-Brown, left, helped pitch Pearl City to the OIA West championship. Her coach, Keoke Behic, won with just two seniors.
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