Noga pitches Waipahu to
OIA White softball title

The Marauders are going to the state tournament, but a piece of their hearts is in Afghanistan.

Tina Noga struck out 14 and scattered three hits as Waipahu defeated Kalaheo 3-1 yesterday in the Oahu Interscholastic Association White Conference final. The game, postponed due to inclement weather Friday, was played at sunny Central Oahu Regional Park.

"It was the heart. We have eight seniors, and they really wanted it," Waipahu coach Sheri Elarco said. "They really wanted to win it for one of our coaches, Mikalynn Castillano."

Castillano is deployed in Afghanistan as a member of the National Guard.

Noga drove in a run and scored twice for the Marauders, who will play in the Division II state tournament this week. Waipahu (13-3) had split two regular-season games with Kalaheo (14-2), the No. 1 seed.

"Waipahu is a very good team. I wish them luck at states," Kalaheo coach Alan Cofran said. "Tina will do well. The changeup was very good."

Noga, who is being recruited by Tennessee and will make a visit Feb. 16, outdueled Kaliko Kepa. The Kalaheo junior allowed just one hit and struck out 11 with two walks. "Kaliko was awesome. She did a fabulous job," Cofran said.

"Everything was working except my drop," said Kepa. "My curveball was working really good."

Noga walked just one batter, displaying power and control. Her fastball was popping all game long. "I didn't try my changeup in warmups, but my sister kept calling it," she said of catcher Krissaundra Noga, a sophomore. "She's been catching me since she was in second grade."

Elarco was more than satisfied. "Our team actually played better than I thought they would," the second-year head coach said. "When those sisters are together, they really put on a performance."