The team includes (from left): front row — Liliola Vehikite and Mia Gerbig; middle row — Briann Keohuloa, Mikala Basques, Lily Kamaunu and Kimberlyn Pepa; back row — Ka‘aina Kalanikau, Ocean Makekau, Seraya Casco, Nohili Hong, Keani Pagan and Dasha Dagdag.

LAHAINA – Lahainaluna High School softball coach Lei Nakamura begins her 12th year at the helm of the Lady Luna program with the same energy and devotion that has kept the team at the top of the Maui Interscholastic League throughout her tenure here on the West Side.

She is another of the long list of Lahainaluna coaches that dedicates most of each year in developing successful teams, and that perseverance has come through with the continued success of the programs she heads up.

Her coaching staff for the 2018 season includes husband Flint Nakamura, Shan Tsutsui, daughter Brenna Nakamura and former Luna standout Hope Morikawa.

The team is coming off a MIL championship last season and is looking to a solid returning group to lead them to a return to the top of the standings.

Seniors Mia Gerbig and Liliola Vehikite, and juniors Nohili Hong, Deisha Dagdag, Seraya Casco, Ka’aina Kalanikau, Ocean Makekau and Keani Pagan form the leadership core.

They are joined on the 2018 Lady Luna roster by sophomore Lily Kamaunu and first-year players Mikala Basques, Briann Keohuloa and Kimberlyn Pepa.

“This is a young team with terrific potential,” commented Coach Lei from the picturesque, manicured campus home field that receives year-round care from Coach Flint. The venue overlooks Lahaina Town and across the historic Roadstead to Lanai.

“They are happy and always have plenty of positive energy.”

The Lady Lunas will play a 12-game MIL regular season slate through April 21, followed by the league postseason tournament from April 25 to May 1 at Patsy Mink Field in Kahului.

The Hawaii High School Athletic Association state playoffs follow on May 8-11 on Oahu at a site to be determined.