Kylee Rodrigues and top-ranked Mililani were at their best when it counted yesterday, dodging raindrops and miscues to post a thrilling, 4-3 come-from-behind win over a tough Campbell squad in a key Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West softball matchup.

“;The kids, they never gave up,”; said Mililani head coach Rose Antonio. “;They kept playing and fought until the end. We were lucky the game was as close as it was at that point.”;

Rodrigues got the start in the pitcher's circle for the Trojans and battled the elements and her command throughout her four innings. She didn't break, keeping Mililani in striking distance of the Sabers by stranding nine runners with some help from her friends. The right-hander issued seven walks, but it was enough to preserve the Trojans' unbeaten league record (5-0). Campbell fell to 4-2.

“;It was real wet out there, the ball got away from me a couple of times and I had to remind myself to take my time,”; Rodrigues said. “;I know how good our defense is and when I was able to stay in the zone, they made all the plays like they always do.”;

Entering the bottom of the seventh trailing 3-1, the Trojans had their work cut out. They needed to rally big against a well-coached Campbell team and ace Katie Manuma, who had retired 12 of the previous 13 hitters she faced.

Celina Garces opened Mililani's game-winning rally by drawing a walk to lead off the frame. Jayme Robinson followed with a hard chopper toward the left side of the infield that appeared to be an easy double-play ball. But the third hop saw the ball kangaroo over the shoulder of Sabers shortstop Nicole Arata for a single. Designated player Andi Folsie then put down a sacrifice bunt near the third-base line, which was fielded cleanly but thrown wildly into right field. It allowed Garces to score and set up Rodrigues for her heroics.

The senior did not miss her chance at redemption, drilling a liner through the left side of the infield to score Robinson and tie the score at 3-3.

“;I was just telling myself to put the ball on the ground somewhere and not to over swing, like our coaches told me,”; Rodrigues said. “;I got a good pitch and hit it.”;

Campbell head coach David Perreira then intentionally walked Kristi Oshiro to load the bases. Rebecca Lee followed by tapping a comebacker to the pitcher's circle for the force at home, bringing Courtney Senas to the plate with one out. Manuma then uncorked a wild pitch to the backstop to allow Rodrigues to sneak in from third with the winning run.

Campbell starter Manuma was in total control for most of the soggy afternoon, using her powerful right arm to keep the Trojans in check. On the day, Manuma spaced six hits and recorded six strikeouts while allowing just one walk. She also went 2-for-2 at the plate with two walks.

The only Mililani player to solve Manuma was two-time All-State standout Oshiro, who went 3-for-3 from her leadoff spot. The junior put herself into scoring position after each of her four plate appearances and made several spectacular plays in the field to spark Mililani.

“;Kristi was awesome out there,”; Antonio said. “;She made all the plays—in the hole, in front of her, and she was seeing the ball really, really well at the plate today. She had another good day.”;

Kishti Kamaka earned the victory with three scoreless innings of relief, allowing just a base hit by Manuma.

The Trojans and Sabers will play against each other again on Saturday in a game to be broadcast on OC 16. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Patsy Mink Central Oahu Regional Park.

Kapolei 2, Waianae 1

Leilehua 6, Pearl City 1

OIA RED EAST

Kaimuki 28, Kahuku 9

Castle 8, Moanalua 2

OIA WHITE

Kaiser 16, Anuenue 0