HANAPEPE — The defending champion Rookies were downed by a single run by Barteks to provide the fireworks for the Kaua‘i Senior Softball opener that was played on two fields at Pat Baniaga Field on Saturday.
“Oh my!” said JC Crouch, who has been providing the Kaua‘i Senior Softball results. “Leading off play was the walk-off win for Barteks over defending league champion Rookies in a thrilling back-and-forth battle.
“Both fields were in play thanks to Norman Holt Jr., and Dominic Agu getting the fields perfectly manicured. This provided the setting for strong wins by the Lihu‘e A’s, Keonimana Gents, Hillsiders, Solid Steel and Makos. The level of play that took place throughout the day impressed the leagues special guests, and demonstrates why the Kaua‘i Senior Softball is always competitive at the state and national levels.”
The weather was perfect and the opening ceremony was special, Crouch said.
“We had inspiring words from Kaua‘i County Council members Felicia Cowden, Bernard Carvalho Jr. who had wonderful renditions — yes, professional — of both the national and Hawai‘i anthems,” Crouch said. “We had words from Council Chair Mel Rapozo, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and Rep. Dee Morikawa.”
Following a spiritual blessing by Kahu Avenall Kalalau-Louis of the Lihu‘e First Church, the epic battle between starting pitcher Kawakami, and lead-off hitter Morikawa resulted in Morikawa roping a line drive single and Kawakami leading a bunch of high fives for the entire field of 13 Kaua‘i Senior Softball teams.
“Thanks to our executive board and volunteers — the Lei Ladies were on top of it, thanks to Paula,” Crouch said. “Mahalo to Wes Kaui for providing the sound system so we didn’t have to shout. We couldn’t have been more fortunate to play the game we all love.”
The Kaua‘i Senior Softball games continue on Saturday with three games being contested at both Wally Sonoda Field in Kaumakani, up on the hill behind the Kaumakani Neighborhood Center, and at Kalawai Park in Kalaheo.
The first pitch at both venues is 9 a.m.
Results
• Barteks 20, Rookies 19
• Lihu‘e A’s 18, Kuku’s Aces 4
• Keonimana Gents 18, Bushwackas 4
• Hanamaulu Hillsiders 11, West Kaua‘i 5
• Solid Steel 19, East Kaua‘i Legends 4
• Makos 18, Kawaihau 2
• Imi‘Ola (bye)
Jan 13 schedule
Wally Sonoda Field (Kaumakani)
• 9 a.m. Rookies/Makos
• 10:30 a.m. Gents/Imi‘Ola
• noon Hillsiders/Kuku’s Aces
Kalawai Park
• 9 a.m. Kawaihau/EK Legends
• 10:30 a.m. Lihu‘e A’s/Bushwackas
• noon West Kaua‘i/Solid Steel
