LAHAINA — After the rocky road of the pandemic years, the Lahainaluna High School baseball team looks to get back on track in the Maui Interscholastic League, as schools across the county move forward.

Luna head coach Danton Hong, along with Darren Opunui, Emmett Markulis, Harry Flores, Jeff Felice, Rodney Haia and Messiah Manalili, is optimistic as the team moves through the first round of current season.

“Our season started with our JV games, and we were able to compete really well,” commented Coach Danton last week.

“Seven of those players moved up to join the varsity team this year. This is a very strong core group of freshmen and sophomores,” he continued.

“They joined four seniors and eight juniors, some of which are new to the program. We are a young team this year, and we have great potential. And we improve a little bit at every showing — we just need to put it all together.”

The Luna lineup includes seniors Ivan Aguinaldo, Aiden Arnise, Aukai Hokoana and Tevai Rodrigues Furtado; juniors Troy Branco-Liu, Joesiah Carino, Justice Carino, Noah Gonzales, Lyrik Kahula, Arlo Olson, Gage Peneku and Talan Toshikiyo; sophomores Taj Acio, Pono Kuluhiwa-Kim, Locklin Maier, Dane Markulis and Chevus Nahooikaika; and freshmen Kaedon Nakata and Kolaiah Villa.

“I’d like to thank all of the coaches, as they offer their great experiences in the game to the team,” added Coach Danton.

“Also, thank you to Athletic Director Jon Conrad and Athletic Trainers Mike Griffo and Schuyler Worthington. And special thanks to all of the families, community and businesses that donated to our program, and to the parents for supporting their sons and staying positive.”