Wong stadium (Hilo, HI)
Despite multiple rain delays and tough conditions, the Hilo Vikings stayed locked in and delivered a dominant 6–0 victory to claim 3rd place in the 2026 BIIF Baseball Championship. It was a full team effort, with key contributions across the lineup and on the mound that defined their season.
#19 Braden Oda – Sophomore Pitcher
Braden Oda set the tone early, battling through the elements and giving Hilo solid innings on the mound.
Season Stats:
2.6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 SO, 0 W, 1 L, 5.38 ERA
Season Stats:
2.6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 SO, 0 W, 1 L, 5.38 ERA
#11 Cole Hatayama – Senior Catcher/OF
A consistent presence at the plate, Cole Hatayama proved to be one of Hilo’s most reliable hitters this season. He led the team in triples and showcased his ability to produce offensively. Hatayama is committed to continue his career at Feather River College.
Season Stats:
20 AB, 2 R, 9 H, 6 RBI, 1 2B, 2 3B, 0 HR, 0 SB, 2 BB, .450 BA
Season Stats:
20 AB, 2 R, 9 H, 6 RBI, 1 2B, 2 3B, 0 HR, 0 SB, 2 BB, .450 BA
#28 Tyson Santiago – Sophomore P/OF
Tyson Santiago was a true two-way standout, leading the team in innings pitched, hits allowed, and strikeouts. His impact was felt both on the mound and at the plate, making him one of Hilo’s most valuable players this season.
Season Stats (Batting):
25 AB, 5 R, 11 H, 4 RBI, 1 2B, 2 SB, 1 BB, .440 BA
Season Stats (Pitching):
19.6 IP, 18 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 7 BB, 12 SO, 1 W, 1 L, 2.50 ERA
Season Stats (Batting):
25 AB, 5 R, 11 H, 4 RBI, 1 2B, 2 SB, 1 BB, .440 BA
Season Stats (Pitching):
19.6 IP, 18 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 7 BB, 12 SO, 1 W, 1 L, 2.50 ERA
#99 Liam Villanueva – Freshman INF
Freshman Liam Villanueva made an immediate impact, leading the team in both runs scored and RBIs. His production highlights a strong future ahead for the Vikings.
Season Stats:
20 AB, 6 R, 9 H, 7 RBI, 1 2B, 1 SB, 2 BB, .450 BA
Season Stats:
20 AB, 6 R, 9 H, 7 RBI, 1 2B, 1 SB, 2 BB, .450 BA
#17 Hunter Pangelinan – Junior INF
Hunter Pangelinan provided extra-base power, leading the team in doubles and contributing key hits throughout the season.
Season Stats:
22 AB, 1 R, 6 H, 1 RBI, 2 2B, .273 BA
Season Stats:
22 AB, 1 R, 6 H, 1 RBI, 2 2B, .273 BA
#6 Kainui Keopuhiwa – Pitcher
Kainui Keopuhiwa led the Vikings in wins this season, anchoring the pitching staff with his ability to go deep into games.
Season Stats:
17 IP, 27 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 4 BB, 9 SO, 1 W, 1 L, 4.53 ERA
Season Stats:
17 IP, 27 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 4 BB, 9 SO, 1 W, 1 L, 4.53 ERA
Konawaena Standout: #2 Kawika Fukunaga
On the other side, Kawika Fukunaga stood out as a leader for Konawaena, topping his team in multiple categories including hits, runs, innings pitched, wins, and strikeouts.
Season Stats (Batting):
13 AB, 2 R, 6 H, 2 RBI, 2 SB, .462 BA
Season Stats (Pitching):
11.6 IP, 27 H, 21 R, 17 ER, 7 BB, 10 SO, 1 W, 2 L, 10.26 ERA
Season Stats (Batting):
13 AB, 2 R, 6 H, 2 RBI, 2 SB, .462 BA
Season Stats (Pitching):
11.6 IP, 27 H, 21 R, 17 ER, 7 BB, 10 SO, 1 W, 2 L, 10.26 ERA
A Statement Finish
Through rain, delays, and pressure, the Hilo Vikings showed resilience and depth. With contributions from both veterans and rising underclassmen, the team closed out their season on a high note, securing a 6–0 victory and the title of 2026 BIIF Baseball 3rd Place Champions.