Softball Set to Open Season at UH Manoa

Losing a majority of the 2020 season was a bitter pill for the Chaminade University softball team to swallow.
 
The Silverswords were making progress after three close losses and a walk-off win against Pacific West Conference-leading Biola in early March. But before they could embark on a road-trip which had manageable opponents, the season was postponed and ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Now the 'Swords are chomping at the bit to get back on the playing field to continue what they had started a year ago.
 
Chaminade opens its season Saturday and Sunday in exhibition doubleheaders against the University of Hawai'i, their Division I cousins down the road at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium. First pitch both days are set for 12 p.m. Due to the gathering restrictions, fans will not be allowed to attend.
 
A major factor that could determine their outlook is the return of their two starting pitchers, Madelyn Stockslager (Torrance, Calif./South) and Taylor Genera (Norwalk, Calif./Whitney). The duo had a 2.67 ERA, the lowest by a Chaminade pitching staff since 2002. Stockslager's career ERA is 2.97 with two consecutive seasons below 2.50. Genera is a dual threat, not only in the circle but at the plate. She had four RBI in the shortened season and delivered the walk-off winner against Biola.
 
The 'Swords had moderate hitting success with Malia Ka`akimaka-Moisa (Ewa Beach, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Campbell) and Kobe Brown (Mililani, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mililani), who hit .323 and .357, respectively. Jaeda Cabunoc (Kaneohe, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Roosevelt) batted a respectable .257 with a team-leading six RBI. However, no one else hit more than .235.
 
The addition of freshman slugger Keaolani Takemura (Pearl City, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mid-Pacific Institute) could help bolster the Silverswords' lineup. Takemura hammered two homers in a game against defending state champion Iolani prior to the cancelation of the high school season.
 
The infield seems to be solidified with Brown at first base, Cheyne Obara (Pearl City, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Pearl City) at second, Hailey Matsumura (Honolulu/Saint Francis) at shortstop and Cabunoc at the hot corner. Kailah Gates-Coyaso (Waianae, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Waianae) is the incumbent behind the plate and had a team-high six runners caught stealing a year ago. Ronni Gallegos (Long Beach, Calif./Mt. San Antonio College/St. Joseph) will also compete at the catcher spot while younger sister, freshman Robbi Gallegos (Long Beach, Calif./St. Joseph), will also compete for an infield spot as will the versatile Takemura.
 
Ka'akimaka-Moisa is about set at right field but the center and left field spots are up for grabs. Kieren Lopez (Bakersfield, Calif./Frontier) was the opening day starter in center, Jehna Ramiscal (Visailia, Calif./El Diamante) made two starts in center and one in left while Yolanda Racaza (San Pedro, Calif./Port of Angeles) had one start in left. Freshman Haley Hayakawa (Torrance, Calif./South) continues the pipeline from Torrance South High School, the alma mater of former 'Sword leftfielders Shannan Hokama (2012-15) and Kayla Henmi (2016-19). Cabunoc is also an outfield candidate.
 
Because of the pandemic, the schedule was reduced to in-pod play which Chaminade will face in-state rivals Hawai'i Pacific University and the University of Hawai'i Hilo 12 times each. Regular season action for the Silverswords begins Saturday, March 6 at HPU. The 'Swords are scheduled to make their home opener on Friday, March 26, although their normal home field at Patsy T. Mink Central O'ahu Regional Park Softball Complex remains closed due to the City and County of Honolulu's limited gathering rules in city recreational centers and parks.
 
Updates on where the Silverswords will play their home games will be made regularly although no fans will be allowed to attend unless gathering restrictions are eased within the next two months.