Campbell enjoys walk in the park

Any coach will tell you, walks are a killer, and it held true in Campbell’s 11-1 victory over Kapolei on Friday.

The Sabers (5-1 OIA Red West) took advantage of eight bases on balls to finish off the Hurricanes by mercy rule in six innings at Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park.

Danielle Cervantes, Campbell’s No. 2 hurler, kept Kapolei’s hard-hitting lineup from mounting rallies. She went the distance, scattering six hits with two walks and five strikeouts.

Despite the complete-game win for the top-ranked team in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Softball Top 10, Cervantes had to deal with lots of Hurricanes on the basepaths. 

"They (Kapolei) got on (a lot) because I did not hit my spots and they were able to hit it," Cervantes said. "It put the pressure on, but I just kept focusing on pitching and not worrying about the runners."

Stranding eight runners hurt Kapolei (2-4), and so did three line shots in the later innings that went right at Campbell fielders.

Kayla Higa, who Hurricanes coach Tony Saffery calls his third or fourth pitcher, went the whole way, but suffered from control problems.

"She had only pitched an inning or two here and there," Saffery said. "So, we were asking a lot from her to go in against a team like Campbell. It was a big undertaking and she was really nervous, but I’m really proud of her."

Kapolei’s No. 1 starter Laugatausala Pedebone has an injured knee and is playing third base. The team’s No. 2 hurler, Sadie Kapaku-You, has the flu.

Kiani Telles’ RBI single keyed a three-run first inning for Campbell, and the Sabers were off and running.

Telles was making her first start in center field in place of Nashlyn Anguay, who is out with a knee injury.

"Kiani played her first full game and she got her first hit and I’m so happy for her," Sabers coach Michael Hermosura said.

Tayzha Meyers drilled a run-scoring single to center in the second for Kapolei’s only run.

The Sabers, who shook off Tuesday’s 6-5 loss to Mililani with the win, made it 4-1 with a run in the second. They tacked on two in the third, three in the fourth and two more in the sixth.

Ashlyn Yagin drilled an RBI single to right in the third and Kiana Ulufale hit a sacrifice fly to right in the fourth, when Darien Robinson also came through with a double down the left-field line.

Kapolei’s second error of the game, in the sixth, allowed two runs to score for the Campbell win.

Hermosura feels fortunate to have a second pitcher in Cervantes to back up his ace, Elisa Favela, who was a designated player Friday.

"It wasn’t Dani’s greatest day," he said. "All of their hits came when she missed her spots. She kept in there, though, and started to get some K’s and some fly balls. She is going to be a big help for us, and it will help (Favela) from not getting overworked."

Kayla Higa and Alecia Kupihea, Prestyne Kaimi-Montira (4). Danielle Cervantes and Kaina Ulufale. W–Cervantes. L–Higa.

Leading hitters–Kapolei: Kamrynmae Kanae 2-2, 2b; Raina McKean 2-3; Tayzha Meyers RBI. Campbell: Chardonnay Pantastico 2-3; Darien Robinson 2-3, 2b; Kiani Telles RBI; Ashlyn Yagin 2 RBIs; Ulufale SF.