_by Honolulu Star-Bulletin_

University of Hawaii at Hilo recruit Amber Waracka of Kamehameha is the 2007-08 Gatorade Hawaii Softball Player of the Year, it was announced today.

The award distinguishes Waracka as Hawaii's best high school softball player. Waracka is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year award to be announced this month.

The senior pitcher finished 14-1 with a 0.27 ERA, recording 149 strikeouts in 105 innings this past season to lead the Warriors (16-1) to the Division I state championship. A returning Second Team All-State selection, Waracka did not allow a run in the postseason, collecting 44 strikeouts over 24 innings in victories against Moanalua, Campbell and Mililani. She captured Division 1 Most Outstanding Player and Division 1 All-Tournament Team Most Outstanding Player honors as named by the Hawaii High School Athletic Association.