It was a first start to remember for Kanoa Hironaka.

The Mililani sophomore was superb in 5 2/3 innings of relief work against Leilehua on Friday as the Trojans rallied for a 15-8 win. Hironaka is one of the young players across the state who can benefit from the split seasons of junior varsity and varsity baseball.

"Kanoa did a good job on the JV," Trojans coach Mark Hirayama said. "He wanted to finish the game. That’s the kind of competitor he is. As long as he throws strikes, I’ll get him the ball."

Hironaka had one brief appearance earlier in the varsity season, but this was his first extended stint.

He gives Mililani another quality pitcher in a season of the new format: three-game series. It’s a format that is spread over a period of four to seven days in the Oahu Interscholastic Association.

In the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, the same teams play three times in a similar span. In the Maui Interscholastic League, teams have played a three-game series in a span of just three days for the past two seasons.

Wanted: softball umpires

The Hawaii ASA Umpire Association is inviting prospective umpires to join.

A clinic will be held on Sunday, 8-10 a.m., at Manana Park (Pearl City). Umpires are needed at all age-group levels. Call Walt Yamatsuka at 295-4707 or Warren Okinaka at 927-1360.