As a freshman last year, Alysia Maddison waited for her time in the pitching circle.

This season, she finally got her chance.

Maddison pitched three games in three straight days in Mililani's run to the O'ahu Interscholastic Association softball championship.

It was a stellar run by the Trojans through last week's tournament that culminated with a 20-2 win over Castle on Saturday night. During the regular season, Mililani, last year's state champion, looked nothing like previous Mililani teams that dominated the league.

"As the season progressed, we became more and more (closer) with each other and we became more comfortable on and off the field," said Maddison, a sophomore. "We had team bonding. That really helped our performance."

After an injury to Mililani's other pitcher, Maddison had to pitch the entire tournament and knew she had to step up. She threw a three-hit shutout with six strikeouts in Thursday's win over Kailua, allowed three runs in Friday's semifinal win over Kapolei, and spaced six hits in Saturday's title victory over Castle. It also helped that the Trojans had 22 hits, including nine doubles and three homers, against Castle.

"I really wanted to win, I wanted to win for the whole team because we lost last year (in the title game)," Maddison said. "We really wanted to comeback and I felt I had to do good."

Coach Rose Antonio said Maddison is becoming more consistent.

"Her pitching is more consistent now and now her hitting is coming along," Antonio said. "I haven't been letting her hit in the lineup, I wanted her to focus on pitching. I decided she's been working hard on her hitting. I took away her stride and it kind of paid off.

"She's seeing the ball well. After that double against Kapolei, her confidence level rose."

Maddison has grown this season with more playing time and confidence. The senior core of the team — shortstop Courtney Senas, second baseman Kristi Oshiro and catcher Rebecca Lee — have provided the experience and leadership to guide the Trojans. After a loss to Campbell midway through the season, the Trojans did dinner and activities together to bring the entire team close together.

"The more games that I played, I became more confident with my defense," Maddison said. "That really helped me grow as a pitcher and I bonded more with my teammates."

STATE GOLF STARTS TODAY

The David S. Ishii Foundation/HHSAA Golf State Championships begin today at the Turtle Bay Resort.

The boys tournament is being played at the Palmer course and the girls tournament is being played at the Fazio course.

Golfers will play 18 holes today and conclude with 18 holes tomorrow. The Punahou girls have won the last three team titles. 'Iolani is the defending boys team champion and Lorens Chan is back to defend his individual title.