Coach John Uekawa put his subs in liberally during Maryknoll’s 13-0, mercy-rule victory over Waiakea in the state softball quarterfinals Wednesday at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.
“After the game, I asked the substitutes, ‘How did it feel to play in a state tournament game?’ And I told them how special it is, since some players and coaches on teams never make it to states.”
Uekawa also put them in the game so they would gain valuable experience.
“They told me it felt like a regular game,” the coach said. “So now, they know what it feels like and they understand what they need to do (play like it’s a regular game) if they get in again.”
No matter what happens (and Uekawa is doing everything he can to bring a state title to Maryknoll), Uekawa insists that his players never get down on themselves because of the game.
“They will live another day (and thrive),” he said. “Some people aren’t so lucky. Some people are in so much pain that they can’t get out of bed.”
The Spartans (16-2-1) face top-seeded Mililani in a semifinal game Thursday at 7 p.m.
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