Talk to Loni Mercado for roughly five seconds, and it’s clear the first-year coach holds unwavering belief in her Kealakehe softball team.
The Waveriders’ belief in themselves might not be as instantaneous, but watch them play for a bit and it appears they are getting to that point, too.
Further evidence that Mercado might have much more than just another BIIF Division I also-ran on her hands came Monday when Kealakehe doubled up on Hilo, 8-4, at Walter Victor Stadium.
“These girls are my sisters,” said four-year starter Tavian Taketa, pointing to her dugout. “They are my family.