Sports

Softball Secures Undefeated Regular Season

Monday, April 18th, 2011

The Lady Farmers’ softball team remains undefeated when they bested the Hana Dragons last weekend with a pair of exciting wins. The victories claimed the Farmers the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II regular season crown.

They will have a shot to win it all when they compete in the MIL championships, beginning this Thursday in Lanai City.

“Our goal is to win MILs and finish what we lost last year,” said Kayla Tanner-Davids, catcher, after Saturday’s win.

The Lady Farmers, with a season record of 8-0, defeated Hana on Friday evening 5-2.

“The girls played very hard and they wanted to win, so they went for it. I’m really proud of them,” said assistant coach Loke Kamakana.

On Saturday, Molokai led most of the game, with help from pitcher Jasmine Borden, who allowed three hits and struck out eight.

“I feel like we played really well today and we are ready for the MILs,” Borden said.

The Lady Farmers’ led in the first inning 3-0. As the Dragons gained the lead and the score went up 6-4, Molokai fans started to get worried and the Hana fans started to get louder. The Lady Farmers made defensive errors on routine plays.

But Molokai caught up and tied it 6-6 by the sixth inning. They continued their rally into the seventh inning, not letting up on defense or offense.

Molokai ensured their tournament berth in the bottom of the seventh inning. Natalia Levi hit a two-run RBI to make it 8-6 and the deal was sealed after Kayla Tanner-Davids hit in two more RBIs with an in-the-park single.

“I feel great. I wanted to steal bases and hit an RBI. I met my goals,” Tanner-Davids said.

Levi made the final out as she snagged a fly-ball in center field. Her teammates flocked to mid-field for celebration.

“I think our playing today was super,” said Tootie Rawlins, catcher. “ This was what we have been waiting for all season.”

In addition to playing in front of a supportive group of Molokai parents and fans, the Lady Farmers also battled it out this weekend in front of a raucous Hana fan base.

 “Hit the ball, long and hard!” they chanted in unison.

But Molokai did not hesitate to be hospitable to the Hana players. Both teams sang the Molokai anthem together and even joined each other in a dance on the field after the game.

Molokai Boys’ Volleyball Downed

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Down during the fourth set at the Barn last Friday evening, the Farmers saw a short revival against the defending Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) champs, Seabury Hall, but it was not enough.

The Farmers fell to the Spartans, 23-25, 20-25, 28-26, 22-25, on Friday evening, and saw the same loss of 1-3 on Saturday afternoon, with a set round-up of 13-25, 22-25, 25-23, 23-25.

Friday’s game had strong blocks and kills up front from David Gomes, who had seven kills. Claude Kapuni had seven kills and three blocks. Dahvin Spencer-Basa also got the momentum going toward the end of the third set with one ace and four kills.

“I think team-wise it’s the best game we played season long,” said head coach Bill Dudoit of Friday night’s game.

Molokai seemed to be gaining the upper-hand with 20-19 when a Seabury Hall player went down with a possible neck injury, sending the game in a 10-minute delay. Seabury Hall ended up with 25-22.

“We played more as a team today, everybody who came off the bench did really well, even the starters,” Spencer-Basa said.

Saturday’s game saw nine kills each from David and Dayson Gomes, as well as seven kills from Paka Adolpho, and Roycee Calairo had six kills. Claude Kapuni helped the Farmers with four blocks.

The Farmers (2-4) will play a rescheduled match against Maui High this weekend for their last home games of the season.