It’s not often that art and science blend this well.
At Mid-Pacific, the ace pitcher loves hula as state championships are starting to become the norm. The Owls have put a lot of sweat equity into their softball program, from the batting cage with a lofty rooftop, right down to a senior class that toiled away year-round.
Their quest for perfection led to a second consecutive state crown, sparked in large part by pitcher Keiki Carlos. The senior was voted pitcher of the year for a second time by coaches and media. The right-hander pitched every game, going 17-2 with 113 strikeouts in 114 innings and an ERA of 1.17. The UH-bound hurler permitted just 55 hits and overcame late-season fatigue to hurl MPI past three tough foes, including Kapolei in the semifinal and Campbell in the title game.
"I think one word to describe it is patience," Owls coach William Quinn said. "She knew that she didn’t have to carry the load just on her shoulders because she had confidence in her teammates and that everyone would get the job done. I think in the past she got easily frustrated, but she didn’t show or express any negativity this year because she could accept failure. In other words, she was patient about her and her teammates’ development."
Punahou’s slugging shortstop, Mysha Sataraka, earned top votes for position player of the year. MPI third baseman Ali‘itasi Docktor was the other top vote-getter.
MPI’s Quinn was voted coach of the year for a second straight season. Campbell coach Michael Hermosua was a solid second in the voting.
Despite being pitched around, Sataraka hit .650 and walloped eight homers, three triples and seven doubles. Sataraka finished with 19 RBIs, 29 runs scored and 10 stolen bases without being caught. The UCLA recruit even managed this phenomenal statistic: She struck out just once all season. She had an on-base percentage of .788 and a slugging percentage of 1.575, sometimes golfing low sinkers over the left-field fence.
She was so good, most teams didn’t mess with the risk of getting hammered by Sataraka. Instead, they gave her intentional walks.
"My coaches told me to be patient, to take the walks," Sataraka said. "I trust and believe in my teammates. Our coaches gave a lot of trust to me, letting me hit balls a little out of the strike zone. My dad pushed me to do that, too."
Even Carlos issued her share of bases on balls to Sataraka.
"Keiki is a great pitcher. It was always a challenge facing her," Sataraka said.
Quinn welcomed the two-week break before the state tourney.
"You also have to remember that every student-athlete have other demands besides their sport. In Keiki’s case, her school work and hula are also a part her life besides other things I may not be aware of," he said.
Carlos could’ve qualified as one of the top hitters in the state, as well. She hit .592 with four home runs, six doubles and 26 RBIs. She had an OBP of .667.
Her teammate, Ali‘itasi Docktor, also had a remarkable season. Docktor, who will play at Toledo next season, hit .451 with five homers, 24 RBIs, three triples and six doubles. She stole eight bases.
Pound for pound, plate appearance for plate appearance, nobody slugged for power, hit for average and got on base quite as well as Sataraka, who is also a three-time All-State pick in basketball.
"Mentally, I had to grow up a lot. Freshman year, I’d take losing so hard, but it’s a team game. We win together and we lose together," she said. "My parents (Pena and Cathye) said good things come to you when you work hard."
"I will definitely miss her easy-going demeanor, how she appears to always be in control, and the respect she had for her coaches and teammates," Punahou coach Bob Makahilahila said. "Most people don’t realize how funny Mysha is, but once you get to know her you see a person that has a tremendous heart."
