The Baldwin High School softball team secured their spot in the DataHouse/HHSAA state tournament with a dominant 19-2 victory over Maui High at Patsy Mink Field on Saturday. The Bears, now 9-0 in Maui Interscholastic League Division I play, clinched the MIL regular-season title along with the state berth.
Bailey Nagasako was the star of the game, driving in eight runs and scoring twice with a perfect 4-for-4 performance at the plate, including two home runs, one of which was a grand slam in the third inning. Jayda Tabisola, Jas Yoshikawa, and Lahela Painter also contributed to the Bears’ offensive onslaught with doubles.
Pitcher Lennel Olaivar-Sugse threw a complete-game four-hitter with one walk and two strikeouts to secure the win for Baldwin. On the other side, Maui High fell to 4-5 in MIL D-I play, with Kelela Gaspar leading the Sabers with two hits.
In another MIL D-I game on Saturday, King Kekaulike took over second place in the standings with a 19-3 victory over Kamehameha Maui. Chiyo Salas, Aki Tamayose, Deykota Edlao, Kamalei Kekaualua, and Kamalei Kekona all had standout performances for King Kekaulike.
With their impressive win, Baldwin High School continues to showcase their dominance in the softball arena and will be a team to watch in the upcoming state tournament.