WAIPIO AND KALIHI, O‘AHU — Waimea XXX, a team consisting of alumni from Waimea High School, took home the top prize in the annual Family Stones Alumni Softball Tournament for a third year in a row. The feat equaled the
WAIPIO AND KALIHI, O‘AHU — Waimea XXX, a team consisting of alumni from Waimea High School, took home the top prize in the annual Family Stones Alumni Softball Tournament for a third year in a row. The feat equaled the tournament record, with Saint Louis High School, who has also won this tournament three years in a row in the past.
The 29th annual tournament took place July 30 to Aug. 5 at Central O‘ahu Regional Park in Waipio and at Lanakila Park in Kalihi on O‘ahu.
Sixty-four alumni teams from across the state participated in the double elimination format tournament, including five teams that represented Waimea High School and two alumni teams representing Kapa‘a High School.
Waimea XXX finished the tournament undefeated, playing seven games to secure the title.
The team started its quest for the championship on Aug. 3, playing two games in the evening session. XXX defeated Kailua High School and another Waimea High School alumni team, known as Feeling Lucky. Both games were competitive with XXX coming out the victor on both occasions.
Saturday afternoon saw XXX play a game against a team from Kamehameha Schools, winning 14-12.
Tourney play continued on Aug. 5 with the remaining teams in the bracket battling to make it to the championship game. XXX’s first game of the day was undoubtedly the most competitive as they narrowly escaped with a win against Leilehua High School 13-12. A heads-up play by first baseman Kelly Batis recorded the final out at the plate to preserve the win for XXX.
Waimea XXX continued its winning ways with games against Nanakuli High School and Waianae High School Fat Katz in the afternoon session, winning 6-2 and 15-1 respectively, which secured them a spot in the championship contest.
The championship game pinned XXX against Leilehua High School. The team narrowly defeated Leilehua earlier in the day. During the championship game the team played solid defense and had timely hits to secure the win. The game was highlighted by a solid pitching performance from Dwyle Lee, who limited Leilehua to four runs. After the final tally, Waimea had won 9-4 and celebrated the victory with its fans in attendance.
The Tournament Most Valuable Player was awarded to pitcher Dwyle Lee.
With the win, XXX received a $1,000 scholarship to be presented to Waimea High School’s general scholarship fund.
No team has won this tournament four times in a row, so Waimea XXX will be attempting to do so at the 30th annual tournament.
