Governors take White Conference crown as Tui tosses no-hitter
Photo gallery: Softball |
By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Farrington had waited a long time for its first O'ahu Interscholastic Association softball title.
Apparently, the Governors wanted to leave no doubt yesterday in the 32nd year of the league title game.
Felicia Tui pitched a five-inning no-hitter and drove in four runs as Farrington routed Kaiser, 15-0, in the final of the OIA White Conference tournament at Central O'ahu Regional Park.
"Now we can show Kalihi has the girls and we can do it," said Farrington coach Glenn Zukeran. "We had the athletes, all they needed was coaching. That's all."
Tui, a junior right-hander, allowed just one base runner — a walk in the first inning. She struck out six, and threw 39 of her 55 pitches for strikes in the game shortened to five innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.
"My risers, my fastballs (were working)," Tui said. "I only threw a couple change-ups."
Farrington, the East runner-up, improved to 11-4. East champion Kaiser dropped to 11-4.
Farrington, Kaiser, Waialua, Wai'anae and Nanakuli will represent the OIA in the Data House State Championships, May 14 to 17.
"It feels really good," Farrington sophomore catcher Kinciana Ngiralmau said. "We're not known for softball or anything like that."
Tui batted 3 for 4 with two doubles and two runs scored, while Ngiralmau went 3 for 4 with a homer, four runs and three RBIs.
"We made history. We have a lot of school spirit," Tui said.
The Governors broke the game open by scoring five runs in the third on four hits and three errors for a 7-0 lead. They added seven in the fifth with the first seven batters reaching safely. Ngiralmau capped the scoring with a solo homer to center in the fifth.
"That's what they believe in, what I believe in, put pressure on the pitcher," Zukeran said.
In all, Farrington banged out 13 hits and benefitted from seven Kaiser errors.
"It was just their day," said Kaiser coach Deanedra Kahunahana. "We were off and that's all right; we'll get them next time."
No ball hit by Kaiser reached the outfield.
Farrington's victory was redemption for Tui, who was the losing pitcher in last season's White Conference title game against Kahuku.
"She lost last year, so she wanted this game badly," Zukeran said.
This was the fourth year the OIA has had a White Conference (Division II) title game.
Reach Kyle Sakamoto at ksakamoto@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8041.
FARRINGTON (11-4) 205 71 — 15 13 0
KAISER (11-4) 000 00 — 0 0 7
Felicia Tui and Kinciana Ngiralmau. Jessie Hathaway, Kayla Alcoran (4) and Chelsey Okuma. W — Tui. L — Hathaway.
Leading hitters — Farrington: Chanel Scanlan-Sevao 2 runs; Amber Sales 2-4, 3 runs; Ngiralmau 3-4, homer, 4 runs, 3 RBIs; Monique To 2 runs; Tui 3-4, 2 doubles, 2 runs, 4 RBIs; Victoria Tagovailoa 2-4, triple, 2 RBIs; Elena Wooten 2-3, triple.
Reach Kyle Sakamoto at ksakamoto@honoluluadvertiser.com.