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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Sabers' Manuma acing early tests

By Kalani Takase
Advertiser Staff Writer

Katie Manuma was so good last week, even the coach in the opposing dugout could appreciate her dominance.

Manuma, a junior right-handed pitcher for the Campbell softball team, won a pair of decisions over Pearl City last week that left Chargers' coach Keoke Behic calling her "probably the best (pitcher) we have in the state at this point."

In the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red West opener for both teams last Tuesday, Manuma threw a one-hitter with 12 strikeouts to lead the Sabers to a 6-0 win. She was one out away from a perfect game until Pearl City's Keani Passi singled in the top of the seventh inning.

"You know, being a ball player all my life, I could definitely appreciate that she almost had a perfect game — even though I was on the other side of that result," Behic said. "We didn't touch the ball at all on Tuesday. What she did was pretty amazing in itself ... she definitely has my vote for athlete of the week."

Manuma did one better Saturday, tossing a no-hitter with five strikeouts in a 7-0 victory at Pearl City. She also went 2 for 4 at the plate as the Sabers' offense pounded out 13 hits.

"Saturday, her defense came up big for her," said Behic, noting Campbell did not commit an error in either contest. "She didn't have that many strikeouts, but she still overmatched us. I would think she's going to be the determining factor in the success of Campbell this year. With her pitching, all they have to do is play some defense and hit the ball a little bit."

Brittney Garcia led the Sabers offensively in both games, batting a combined 6 for 8 with two triples and three runs scored while Randi Schoening was also 6 for 8 at the plate.

Led by Manuma's pitching prowess, Behic pegged the Sabers as an early contender for the OIA and state titles.

"It was pretty intimidating for our players facing her," Behic said. "She's got to be one of the hardest throwers that I've seen since I started coaching ... she's just good, and if I had to put my money on it, I would put my money on them."

Campbell, which finished second in the OIA behind Mililani last season, is currently tied for first place in the Red West. The Sabers (2-0) host Waipahu in a doubleheader Saturday.

Reach Kalani Takase at ktakase@honoluluadvertiser.com.