The record isn't what they want, but the comradery and bond on the team is what teams long for. As the HPU Women's Softball Team looks to begin the second half of the season and a stretch that will be taking them off island, they wish their record was better than 4-16. Since the majority of their games were decided by three runs or less, they could easily be better than that; they could have a winning record even. That's the way sports go sometimes, and the true character of a team shows up at a time like this.
 
I've been around the team all season and I've seen their character…..it hasn't changed a bit. They are a fun-loving group that enjoy softball, each other, singing during rain outs, and long walks on the beach (I'm assuming for this last one). My point is, these young ladies don't get down and when the times are fun they definitely get up for one another. Whether it is scoring the one and only run they claw out in a tough game as their emotional leader Tiari Hernandez (17, 1B) comes across the plate on a passed ball, or if it was superstar shortstop Jewel Larson (10) walking it off against Chaminade they get pumped for each other as a team. They also want to do all they can to make the season better for the lone senior quietly and efficiently patrolling center field, Hoku Ching (8). They are together off the field attending the basketball games together, supporting the baseball team in the rare opportunities that they aren't playing at the same time, and enjoying each other's company in class or the dorms.
 
The have learned so much along the way this year. They learned a lot about each other on during an early road trip to California to kick off the season this year. They learned another culture and how to play better against the bunt when they played Josai University from Japan in early February. They have learned the rich history of Howard A Okita Field and the role they play in the last season to be played there. They have learned how to juggle school with the sport and being away from family and to practice through spring break instead of heading to Vegas like some of their friends.
 
But Sharks Softball is resilient, and they put a foundation in before this season's first pitch. Coach Jarnett Lono ("Shorty") along with her assistants Jon Corrales and Stacy Araki truly care about the program and the young ladies that come through it. They focus on things beyond the diamond like mental agility, positive self-talk, chemistry, and accountability. They focus on team building and ohana as they conduct community outreach events and go on hikes together. When I sat and talked with the team about resiliency and getting through a tough stretch in a season and dealing with other stressors in life, I could see that they already got it because of the culture and foundation that is in place with this team. They understand the big picture and life beyond the standings. Don't get me wrong, they REALLY want to win, and I feel it is right around the corner for them. More importantly though, these ladies are enjoying life and each other and they will continue to do that when the wins start coming too.