Four Waipahu High School softball players enter today's DataHouse Hawai'i High School Athletic Association Division I State Championships fresh off a different state tournament that's also a somewhat similar sport.

Elsa Apo, Sina Nu'u, Kari Sakamoto and Angi Sakamoto were on Waipahu's roster for last week's state Division II baseball championships, joining the team during the postseason to add numbers to the roster. Kari Sakamoto and Nu'u played softball and baseball last season for Waipahu, but initially couldn't play baseball this year after the softball season moved from winter to spring.

"We didn't really want them to play softball and baseball in the same season," Waipahu baseball coach Milton Takenaka said. "Close to playoffs, we were short-handed and I asked if they wanted to be on the team with the intention of not playing, just as emergency players."

But some of the girls did end up seeing action. After hitting well in practice, Apo became the team's designated hitter during the entire O'ahu Interscholastic Association White playoffs last month that ended with a title for Waipahu. Apo didn't record any hits during the playoffs or in her one appearance at the state tournament against Maryknoll. Nu'u, an OIA Red West honorable mention selection in baseball last year, played briefly at second base against Maryknoll.

Apo said it was an honor to be asked to join the baseball team, but did have her doubts about joining the squad.

"I thought the boys would be territorial," said Apo, Waipahu's starting softball pitcher. "But they're all right ... chilled with us and welcomed us."

Kari Sakamoto saw limited action at second base against Farrington and Kahuku in the White playoffs and turned a double play against Farrington. Sakamoto fielded a grounder, stepped on second and threw to first baseman Aldrin Padilla.

"I'm proud of the boys, they did good this season," said Kari, who had planned to return to the baseball team this year before the season switch. "I got to be on the same team and support them at states."

The Sakamoto sisters joined brother Davin, Kari's fraternal twin, on the baseball team. While at Waipahu, the twins have played baseball together since their sophomore year of JV.

"I consider them part of the team," Davin Sakamoto, a senior outfielder, said of his sisters. "Looking back, I think it's cool."

Being twins, Kari said the two have always been compared to each other even though they have always done their own thing. Angi, a freshman, said Kari is the cooler one.

"People try to compare, to see who's better at school, who's better at sports," said Kari, who joked she's the better looking twin.

Nu'u said if there's a disagreement with Davin, he'll fight back with big words. He's the class valedictorian and will attend Notre Dame next year. Kari, who also competed at the state cross country championships in November, will play softball for Creighton.

The girls brought their loud softball cheers to the quiet baseball dugout, but for the most part, have let the boys enjoy their championship season.

Said Kari: "It's their team and their title."