In an exciting quarterfinal matchup at the DataHouse Division I state softball tournament, Campbell staged a remarkable comeback from a 6-3 deficit to defeat Baldwin 12-10, advancing to the semifinals. The game was held at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium, where Campbell’s Sabers showcased their tenacity by sending 11 batters to the plate during an explosive eight-run fifth inning.
Baldwin, the third seed and Maui Interscholastic League champion, initially took control, building a 5-2 lead after just two innings. However, things took a dramatic turn as Campbell capitalized on Baldwin’s pitching struggles. Shaileah Brown, who replaced Baldwin starter Hope Batulayan-Cadorna, struggled to find the strike zone, allowing four consecutive walks, which included a critical walk to Nanea Pantastico that forced home a run.
Key performances for Campbell included Sophie Alo, who went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run, and Kaienna Fuentes-Arellano, who contributed significantly both at the plate and on the mound. Fuentes-Arellano, in relief, battled through tough innings, allowing four runs but ultimately secured the victory by striking out the last batter with the tying runs on base.
Campbell’s coach, Shag Hermosura, expressed pride in his team’s resilience, which has persisted throughout their season. He noted that this marks the Sabers’ 13th semifinal appearance, where they will face second-seeded Maryknoll, fresh off a 10-1 victory over Kaiser.
In other quarterfinal actions, top-seeded Mililani and Punahou also advanced to the semifinals, with Mililani’s reigning All-Hawaii pitcher Hinano Bautista putting forth a stellar performance, and Punahou displaying strong offensive skills to defeat Hilo 10-0. These four teams represent a rich competitive history, with each having secured state titles in recent years, promising an exciting semifinal lineup.
As the tournament progresses, fans are left with high hopes for Campbell’s performance in their upcoming match against Maryknoll, which is set for 4:30 p.m. The momentum from this thrilling victory may very well propel the Sabers further into the championship conversation, highlighting their determination and skill on the field.