HANAPEPE — Kaua‘i Senior Softball Association placed two teams in gold medals in the 37th annual Hawai‘i State Senior Softball tournament, which wrapped up Thursday afternoon at the Hanapepe Stadium complex. The host Kaua‘i organization also finished with three teams
HANAPEPE — Kaua‘i Senior Softball Association placed two teams in gold medals in the 37th annual Hawai‘i State Senior Softball tournament, which wrapped up Thursday afternoon at the Hanapepe Stadium complex.
The host Kaua‘i organization also finished with three teams in silver medals, two teams in bronze medals and a team in fourth place.
Kawaihau, opening early in the G Bracket, got past Pueo 16-9 to clinch the first of two gold medal spots in the seven-bracket state tournament.
One of the heavily attended matches came in the C Bracket when two Kaua‘i teams, the Rookies and ‘Ohana faced each other for the championship.
“No matter what, we’re going to get at least one gold medal out of that one,” said Stephen Fujii of the already victorious Kawaihau team, and the treasurer of the Kaua‘i Senior Softball Association. “We have five of our eight teams playing for gold medals, but for sure, we’ll have two.”
Fujii’s forecast came true on the worst-case scenario as West Kaua‘i, advancing through pool play with a 2-1 record along with Gomes Trucking and Firehouse, got the title nod against the undefeated Guavas.
But with bases filled and two outs in the last inning, West Kaua‘i’s hopes sagged as its big hitter grounded out, giving the Guavas the title.
East Kaua‘i, advancing through pool play with a 3-0 record, was pitted against Action, also undefeated in pool play for the title, the game was tight before the Action captured the trophy.
The Rookies’ left fielder went up to grab a high fly ball to put the clinch on its 23-16 win over ‘Ohana for the bracket win, giving the Kaua‘i Association two gold medals, three silver medals, two bronze medals, including one by the league leader Lihu‘e A’s, and a fourth place finish.
The Hanama‘ulu Hillsiders, opening with a split, a 20-18 win over Hui O Na Kolohe before dropping 18-13 to Ka Nani O Honoka‘a, rebounded for a 21-20 edge over Maui Raiders Wednesday to advance as the No. 2 seed against Paninis for a bronze medal.
The Lihu‘e A’s, dropping 16-9 to Hilo Pomaika‘i on the opening day, rebounded for a 21-15 win over the Honomu Rockets before dropping 16-15 to the Bad Company for the No. 3 seed in the A Bracket. The Kaua‘i league leader finished with bronze medals following its 16-4 win over Kona Gold.
Kuku’s Aces, ending pool play with a 2-1 record, dropped to the Monarchs, 17-11 in the finals to end up with fourth place honors.
•Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
