Riding the arm and bat of senior ace Nicole Alconcel for the second straight day, Baldwin won its first Data House/Hawai'i High School Athletic Association Softball Championship since 2001 last night by edging Mililani, 2-0.

A vocal capacity crowd of about 1,200 at Rainbow Wahine Stadium watched Alconcel, a hard-throwing right-hander, pitch a five-hitter with seven strikeouts and produce the game's only runs with a two-run homer over the right-center field fence with one out in the top of the sixth inning.

It was a sweet ending to a brilliant four-year career for Alconcel, who was the Bears' starting pitcher in three heart-breaking quarterfinal losses the past three years, including two to Mililani that went 12 innings in 2004 and 11 innings last year.

"Losing as a freshman, sophomore and junior, it all adds up by the time you're a senior," said Alconcel, who was crying tears of joy along with eight other seniors. "When you finally experience (a state title), you don't expect to keep it in."

Alconcel began the tournament with a two-hit, 10-strikeout victory over hard-hitting Campbell in Thursday's quarterfinals, then tossed a one-hitter with eight strikeouts Friday in a 2-0 win over St. Francis.

She also hit a two-run homer to almost the same location in the win over St. Francis, but it was in the top of the first inning.

Last night's shot broke a scoreless pitching duel with junior right-hander Makani Duhaylonsod, who was making her third straight state championship game start. Alconcel's line drive came on a 3-2 pitch, after Sanoe Kekahuna had reached on a dropped infield fly.

"It was just like last night," Alconcel said. "(Assistant) Coach Ryan (Souza) told me to get the right pitch and just make hard contact."

And as with Friday, those were the only runs she needed, as she notched four strikeouts over the final two innings. Alconcel ended it with a strikeout after Mililani had put a runner on second with one out.

"This year, she really stepped it up," Trojans coach Rose Antonio said. "Everything was working for her, and her maturity level, her poise, her presence is better. She was awesome."

Kekahuna, a senior catcher, called the pitches and Alconcel said the Bears' errorless defense also played a key role.

"It's a good feeling because it was a team effort," said Alconcel, wiping away tears. "It's pretty much a fairy tale ending, happily ever after."

THIRD PLACE

'IOLANI 3, ST. FRANCIS 2, 5 INNINGS

The Raiders (14-5) scored three runs in the third inning and Tara-lyn Odo had two hits in a victory over the Troubadours (13-5).

'IOLANI (14-5) 003 00 — 3 6 2

ST. FRANCIS (13-5) 010 10 — 2 6 1

Brittney Guro, Kelly Imada (4) and Kai Masutani. Brittany Akana, Kayla Sakamoto (4) and Ashley Smith. W — Guro. L — Akana. S — Imada.

Leading hitters — 'Iolani: Tara-lyn Odo 2-3, RBI; Kai Masutani RBI. St. Francis: Sasha Koki RBI.

FIFTH PLACE

CAMPBELL 8, KAPOLEI 1, 5 INNINGS

Leinna Kalua, Brittney Garcia, Chanel Bali-Gaui and Shalin Yamaguchi each had two hits for the Sabers (16-3) in their victory over the Hurricanes (13-7).

CAMPBELL (16-3) 302 12 — 8 12 1

KAPOLEI (13-7) 001 00 — 1 4 2

Leinna Kalua and Anuhea Yamaguchi. Kishti Kamaka and Ashlynn Ashby. W — Kalua. L — Kamaka.

Leading hitters — Campbell: Kalua 2-4, double, RBI; Brittney Garcia 2-3, double, RBI, 2 runs; Chanel Bali-Gaui 2-3, 2 RBIs; Gerika Pantohan 2-2, double, 2 RBIs; Yamaguchi 2-2, RBI; Juraishalei Murray-Thrownton RBI. Kapolei: Ka'ili Smith RBI.

CONSOLATION

MOANALUA 10, HILO 0, 5 INNINGS

Britni Ronolo went 3 for 3 to help Na Menehune (14-4) beat the Vikings (10-5).

HILO (10-5) 000 00— 0 4 2

MOANALUA (14-4) 303 31—10 15 1

Alana Tsue, Scottlyn Wong (4) and Robyn Santiago. Sarah Robinson and Kawehi Chan, Mary Ann Giles (5). W — Robinson. L — Tsue.

Leading hitters — Hilo: Robyn Santiago double. Moanalua: Britni Ronolo 3-3, double, 2 RBIs, 2 runs; Hoku Dela Cruz 2-3, double; Chan 2-4, 2 runs; Robinson 2-3; Jamie Ronolo 2-3, 2 runs; Lea Tamura 2-2; Dawn Dela Cruz 2 RBIs; Nanea Chan 2 RBIs.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.