When one thinks of Chaminade, the Silverswords men’s basketball program comes to mind.
And NCAA Division II softball in Hawaii? That would be Hawaii Pacific.
But on the uppermost reaches of Kalaepohaku, where Chaminade and Saint Louis School share a campus, the Silverswords softball team has begun to plant seeds of success. It hasn’t been an easy commitment, not with the lack of tradition and facilities.
The home field is 18 miles away at Central Oahu Regional Park. The rocky space carved out on campus is large enough for a couple of batting cages. For fielding practice, most times it’s a 10-minute drive over to Palolo Valley District Park or, if in use, down to Ala Wai Community Park.
Still, Chaminade (25-21, 17-13 Pacific West Conference) has put together its first winning season in more than a decade, has been ranked regionally and is seeking the first postseason berth in program history.
The Silverswords can thank, in part, the inclement and unpredictable weather of Ashland, Ore., for that. It was one of the reasons Rayna Strom-Okimoto returned home after two seasons with Southern Oregon.
"We had rain, hail and snow, all at the same practice," the 2009 Aiea High graduate said. "I wanted to go away to play, but I’m happy that I came back home, to play in front of my family."
The senior shortstop has shouldered the responsibility of helping take Chaminade to the next level with her bat (.391, 34 RBIs) and her glove (.952 fielding percentage). It’s also her leadership, according to ‘Swords coach Kent Yamaguchi, that has made a huge impact during her two years in the program.
"We are going to miss her for a number of reasons," the eighth-year coach said of Strom-Okimoto. "She’s got such great field presence, is a calming influence in the infield.
"She’s always been a great hitter, too, wherever she’s played. There are times when I’ve wondered why teams pitch to her."
The Silverswords hope that there will be more teams facing that choice. But Chaminade’s postseason chances took a big hit Saturday, when it dropped a doubleheader to host Hawaii Pacific, 6-5 and 8-1.
The Sea Warriors (30-17, 19-11), ranked ninth in the region, moved ahead of the Silverswords into fifth in the PacWest standings,
The downward trend continued on Sunday, when Hawaii Hilo swept the Silverswords, 18-7 and 10-8.
The Vulcans (37-17, 23-7), are No. 7 in the region and in second place in the conference.
This week, Chaminade will wait as the final week of the season plays out. It includes Saturday’s doubleheader between Hawaii Pacific and host Hawaii Hilo.
But whenever her career ends, Strom-Okimoto leaves as one of the program’s most decorated players. Last season’s PacWest Newcomer of the Year again should be All-PacWest and All-West Region selections.
The award collection has started. She was named to the Tournament of Champions all-tournament team earlier this month and last week was named Chaminade’s Female Athlete of the Year.
"It was a surprise," Strom-Okimoto said. "Softball is a team game and you don’t play for individual awards.
"I’m going to miss playing softball at this level. I’ve been playing it for so long and it’s going to be hard with no practice to go to. But I’m planning to go back and help my high school, and play slow-pitch. I love the sport too much not to stay around the game."
