July 1, 2024
WESTMINSTER, Colo. – The Triple Crown International Challenge has carved its way into the summer fastpitch conversation by displaying the widespread skill and passion for the sport found in so many different backgrounds.
And when the spotlight hits the TCIC, the brightest bulbs light up the path to Polynesia.
Backed by a wildly successful offense and sturdy pitching, the 16u Polynesia squad won its third straight title on Sunday at Christopher Fields, topping Canada 15-7 about 30 minutes before the 18u team won its championship game. Paired with 2022, it’s the second time Polynesia has swept both divisions.
“It’s awesome,” said 16u coach Josh Danz. “The last three years we’ve taken medals, and now we’re getting the younger sisters of the girls who’d played before.”
Expectations may have weighed on the 16’s early, as two errors extended the bottom of the first inning long enough for Canada’s Jade Canahan (a Central Arkansas college commit) to smoke a three-run homer. Polynesia countered with three runs in the top of the second, taking advantage of two errors, and soon enough pitcher Kamaile Ho settled in for the long haul.
She gave up one run in the third and a non-consequential three runs in the fifth after Polynesia had already broken open the contest.
“Kamaile last year didn’t get as much time, but she wanted to come back and show what she could do,” Danz said. “She led us through this whole tournament.”
“Errors are going to happen; I know my team will have my back, and if there’s a problem I know they’ll come back and make the right play,” Ho said. “It was stressful but exciting. This is such a great opportunity. It makes me feel hyped, because I know this team can hit, and it allows me to take a deep breath. For me, I know there’s a standard, and I have to do my job.”
The game fully swung in Polynesia’s direction in the top of the fourth thanks to a seven-run outburst that made the score 11-4. Any number of at-bats mattered, but the key blow was probably the two-run two-out double from Palehua Silva – with two strikes, she swung at a pitch that wasn’t much higher than her shoelaces, but the ball dropped in to help reestablish the lead.
“Coach Josh told me to be aggressive, and I was just trying to get the barrel on it and score some runs for my team,” Silva said. “We had some errors and struggles in the beginning but our team cleaned it up and came strong with the energy. We’re capable of taking on anyone; we have big bats and a good defense.”
Gianna Flores had two hits and two RBI for Polynesia; Sophia Alo, Nanea Pantastico and Kandi Malama-Ahlo each drove in two runs as well. For Canda, Rylee Ruppel had four RBI, including a three-run homer in the fifth.
The Polynesia 16’s were 3-0 in pool play and averaged 18 runs per game, then kept the beat pulsing in bracket play by scoring in double figures in all three of those games. Their offensive skills feel inevitable, but keeping focused on the moment might be the team’s prime strength.
“It’s always tough here, and we never take anything for granted on Sunday,” Danz added. “Pool play, not everyone is here yet, and you never know who’s going to come in from another team. We’re keeping it rolling, in the family and the culture.”
