Honolulu, HI
History was on the line Friday night at the Division I Softball State Championship as Mililani stepped onto the field looking to accomplish something only two other programs in Hawai‘i history had ever done: complete the three-peat. Standing in their way was a battle-tested Moanalua squad that earned its championship appearance after surviving a gritty semifinal matchup against Campbell. The Trojans entered the title game having dominated much of their competition throughout the state tournament, but championship nights are never easy, especially against a Na Menehune team hungry to spoil history. By the end of the night, Mililani once again proved why they have continued to sit at the top of Hawai‘i softball, defeating Moanalua 9 to 3 to secure their third straight Division I state championship and bring the Koa Wood back home.
Moanalua wasted little time showing they came ready for the moment. Na Menehune struck first in the opening inning to grab an early lead and immediately put pressure on Mililani. However, the Trojans answered right back in the bottom half, responding with two runs of their own to quickly regain momentum. That quick response would end up setting the tone for the rest of the night as Mililani never allowed the moment to get too big and continued playing composed despite the championship stakes.
The middle innings became the turning point in the game as Mililani slowly began separating itself from Moanalua. A three-run third inning gave the Trojans breathing room before they followed it up with another three-run inning in the fourth to fully shift momentum in their favor. Every time Moanalua looked for a way back into the game, Mililani continued to answer with timely hitting and smart at-bats. The Trojans' lineup stayed aggressive while consistently putting pressure on the Na Menehune defense.
Hinano Bautista delivered one of the biggest performances of the night on the biggest stage possible. Bautista went a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate, crushing a home run while also adding a double and driving in three runs to help fuel the Trojans' offense. She also handled business in the circle, pitching five innings while helping keep Moanalua from building sustained momentum. Aubri Nakashima also stepped up hugely, driving in three runs of her own, while players like Kaylie Kihara and Lana Nakayama continued to keep the offense moving throughout the night.
To their credit, Moanalua never stopped fighting. Na Menehune made a push in the fifth inning, cutting into the lead with two runs and showing flashes of the team that battled through one of the toughest roads to the championship game. But Mililani stayed composed and continued to play championship softball. Taylor Adriano entered late and shut the door, tossing two scoreless innings to close out the title game and seal the historic win.
For Mililani, this championship meant more than just another trophy. The Trojans officially etched themselves into Hawai‘i softball history, becoming only the third Division I program to complete a three-peat while continuing to build one of the state’s strongest dynasties in recent memory. After dominating much of the state tournament and handling the pressure of a championship run, Mililani once again leaves the season on top with the Koa Wood heading back home. Over the last three seasons, Mililani has not only won championships but established itself as the team every program across the state is now chasing. As one chapter closes, the Trojans have officially cemented themselves among Hawai‘i softball’s all-time great programs.
Final Score: Mililani 9 Moanalua 3
For more pictures, head over to our photo gallery.
Pictures taken by: Kennedy Velasco - @kennnchapo
nothing new for the mill Ville crew
video by Logan Pactol - @_lowgxn
