HONOLULU — The Kauai All Star Mustang team will be heading to Los Alamitos, Calif. to represent the state in the West Zone Tournament that will contest July 26 through 29.
Led by coaches Galen Itamura, Justin Kai and Scott Yamauchi, the Kauai All Star Mustangs earned the right after taking the state title at the 2018 Hawaii Region Mustang Tournament that was contested at the Koko Head District Park on Oahu from June 16 and wrapping up Tuesday afternoon. This is the first state title for the Kauai Mustangs since 2009.
Kauai started out shaky, dropping to Maui by a run, 6-5, in the team’s opening game of the double-elimination tournament. But the squad rebounded to take out Central Oahu, 11-6, in the second game to advance and meet East Oahu whom they squeaked past, 5-4.
Getting past Hilo, 13-3, on the 10-run ruling, Kauai went up against Maui who beat them on the opening round for the title.
The Maui squad had its unblemished record marred when Kauai rolled past the Valley Isle team, 12-6, in the first game to force a second match for the title. Kauai continued to battle and topped Maui, 10-4, to claim the pennant and advance to the Zone tournament.
Team members include Maika Baniaga, Kysen Bucao, Kaimana Chong, Kailer Chow-Agor, Colten Dela Cruz, Matthew Estrada, Noah Ibaan, Paoa Itamura, Nui Ka‘auwai, Tyris Dai, Dylan Takata, Evan Yamauchi and Jaiden Yanos.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
