The 2026 BIIF softball playoffs began Tuesday afternoon with both the Division I and II tournaments taking place.
In Division I, first-seeded Waiakea softball continued their perfect season, beating No. 4 Konawaena in a 12-0 run rule over 5.0 innings to take a 1-0 lead in the semifinal series. The Warriors moved to 3-0 against the Wildcats in 2026.
Waiakea set the tone from the start of the matchup, scoring six runs in the opening inning. The Warriors posted eight hits to Kona’s two, led by Meghan Spencer, Kamberlyn Kelekona and Hope Gaspar — who each logged two hits for the winners. Teammates Keani Kaneshiro and Tinei Soi each recorded a hit.
Spencer leads the team in doubles (3), triples (3), home runs (2), innings pitched (26.0) and wins (5), Kaneshiro leads in hits (18) and runs (23).
In the circle, Jessie Garza was the Lady Warriors’ lone pitcher — throwing a five-inning gem that featured two allowed hits, no runs and three strikeouts. She leads the team in strikeouts with 26 total, while also leading in RBI (19).
On the season, Waiakea remains the clear-cut favorite to claim the conference title and make a run in the state tournament. Through nine games, the Warriors have out-scored their opposition 145- 26, including three shutout wins and six straight run-rule victories.
The Wildcats were led by Sunny Taketa with a triple and Milinda Garcia with a single. Jaycee Sato and Deijah Cabanilla-Nogales shared time in the circle for Kona.
Game 2 will be held today in Kona, where the Warriors will try to clinch a spot in the BIIF DI championship once again. Waiakea is seeking its first island title since 2023.
On the other side of the DI bracket, third-seeded Kealakehe edged No. 2 Hilo in Game 1 — winning 6-5. The paper was unable to find a box score of the matchup by deadline.
With a 1-0 series lead, the Waveriders will look to seal the upset over the Vikings with Game 2 this afternoon in Kona.
In the Division-II tournament, top seed Kamehameha-91直播 took a 1-0 series lead on No. 4 Pahoa, winning in a 16-3 run rule in Kea‘au. The Warriors also clinched their fourth straight win.
The winners were spearheaded by Kairie Owens-Zulueta, who logged two hits. Teammates Kealohi Ili, Layla Masaoka, Hailey Kailiuli, Kaedrie Owens-Zulueta, Alaula Awong, Rylie Kagimoto, Shiann Santos, Ahay Beals and Kaila Garrett each posted one hit.
Ili leads her team in hits, RBI, doubles, triples and home runs.
KSH moved to 6-1, and will look to advance today with Game 2 being held in Pahoa town. The Warriors have out-scored their opponents 126-44 across seven games.
No. 2 Honoka‘a took a 1-0 lead over third-seeded Kohala on the Hamakua Coast, winning in a 22-7 rout over 4.0 innings. The Dragons moved to 5-2 on the season.
The paper was unable to obtain a box score from this matchup by deadline.
Game 2 of the best-of-three series will be held this afternoon in Kapa‘au.
See the paper Friday for more softball playoff updates.
