The Sabers were scheduled to play Moanalua, the O'ahu Interscholastic Association runner-up, in an opening-round game today. Instead, the Menehunes will automatically advance to tomorrow's quarterfinal against Big Island champion Waiakea.

The trickle-down effect eventually could have an impact on defending champion and nationally ranked Punahou, the No. 1 seed in the 12-team tournament at Les Murakami Stadium.

Punahou (31-2-1 overall, 18-2-1 in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu) enters the tournament ranked No. 15 in USA Today's Super 25 and moved up to No. 38 in Baseball America's national poll.

The Buffanblu are in Moanalua's bracket and could face the Menehunes in the semifinals if both teams win tomorrow.

"It's an advantage to them, because they save one pitcher," Punahou coach Eric Kadooka said of Moanalua's free pass into the quarterfinals. "But ultimately it doesn't matter too much, because you can't control who you play. I'd much rather do it this way than how we did it last year."

A year ago, Punahou had to play five games in the final eight days of the ILH season, then traveled to Maui to defeat Lahainaluna in a special playoff for the state berth, and finally won four games on consecutive days to capture the state title.

As ILH champion this time, the Buffanblu will enjoy an eight-day break before starting play in tomorrow's quarterfinals.

"We get all the benefits," Kadooka said. "That one day's rest can make a difference, because the first game usually is the toughest."

Corey Ishigo, coach of No. 2 seed Kailua, agreed.

"To me, Thursday is the big game for us," said Ishigo, whose OIA champion Surfriders (10-3) will play the winner of the Kamehameha-Hawai'i vs. Mililani game in the quarterfinals. "With this team, they ride the roller coaster, so if we can win Thursday I think we have a good chance to go all the way."

As usual, the tournament should come down to pitching, and that's what will make Punahou, Kailua and Moanalua tough to beat. Each has several players who can start games and provide quality innings.

Punahou's ace, senior right-hander Jared Pate, is 10-1 overall and was the winning pitcher in last year's state title game. The Buffanblu have two other strong starters in left-hander Carl Graves and right-hander Scott Hiramoto.

"Carl has been nails for us," Kadooka said. "He beat Saint Louis twice, and he throws strikes and is learning how to start and complete games. Scott has shown the ability to throw strikes, too, and he may be asked to throw in a big game for us."

Punahou's pitching staff also may get more support on offense and defense, as center fielder Reyn Kubota and designated hitter Bucky Aona have recovered from injuries.

Kailua rode the arms of Kevin Matsumoto, Aaron Kent and Michael D'Alessio to win four straight in the OIA tournament. Moanalua starters Adam Arakawa, Andrew Blomberg and Chance Daskauskas are a combined 9-3, and Kekoa Lee also can provide valuable innings.

Two first-round games to watch are Kaua'i vs. Pearl City and 'Aiea vs. Kamehameha. If Kaua'i can beat Pearl City with another pitcher, that would save ace Kirby Yates for Punahou.

'Aiea (9-4) took fourth in the OIA, but all four of its losses have been close. Kamehameha (16-5) was the ILH runner-up and beat Punahou on April 8.