The Campbell Sabers collected seven first-place votes to open the season at No. 1 in the Star-Advertiser Softball Top 10 today.
The three-time defending state champions were 7-2-2 in nonconference play. The Sabers lost to Mililani and Kapolei in preseason, and tied with ‘Iolani and Moanalua. Gone via graduation are position player of the year (catcher) Jocelyn Alo, now booming hits for Oklahoma, pitcher of the year Dani Cervantes and outfielder Cieana Curran — all first-team All-State selections.
Returning for their senior seasons: second baseman Trinity Favela and Utility/DH Chloe Domingo, both All-State second-team picks. Outfielder Alesia Ranches, now a junior, returns as well. She was a third-team All-State selection.
The field has, at this point, plenty of parity across the board in the OIA West and ILH, the two dominant entities for prep softball.
Perennial powerhouse Mililani (10-4), the defending OIA champion, received two first-place votes and is No. 2 in the coaches and media poll. The Trojans have losses to Maryknoll (twice), Lakewood and Roosevelt.
Maryknoll arrives with a heavy load of returning talent and is No. 3 in the Top 10.
Kapolei (10-5), with a solid nucleus of returnees and the arrival of a key transfer from the MIL, is No. 4.
Leilehua already had a talented roster, and then welcomed the arrival of transfer pitcher Cameron Kamakaiwi from Maryknoll. The Mules received one first-place vote and are ranked No. 5.
Kamehameha (5-2), Punahou (6-2), Mid-Pacific (4-2), ‘Iolani and Roosevelt round out the Top 10.
St. Francis (11), Waianae (seven), Waiakea (four), Lahainaluna (one) and Pearl City (one) also received votes.
Honolulu Star-Advertiser Top 10
| GIRLS VOLLEYBALL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 9/19 | ||
| RANK | TEAM | VOTES |
| 1. | Punahou (9) | 90 |
| 2. | Kamehameha | 80 |
| 3. | KS-Hawaii | 69 |
| 4. | Iolani | 65 |
| 5. | Moanalua | 52 |
| 6. | Baldwin | 38 |
| 7. | Hawaii Baptist | 30 |
| 8. | Kahuku | 22 |
| 9. | Mililani | 18 |
| 10. | Damien | 16 |
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