LIHUE – The Kauai PONY all-stars left for Maui Thursday to compete in the 2013 PONY Hawaii Regional Tournament. Kauai opened with Maui Blue on Friday and had a rough start, losing to the host team, 13-3. Kauai bounced back
LIHUE – The Kauai PONY all-stars left for Maui Thursday to compete in the 2013 PONY Hawaii Regional Tournament. Kauai opened with Maui Blue on Friday and had a rough start, losing to the host team, 13-3.
Kauai bounced back on Saturday, besting Maui Red 12-2 in five innings via the 10-run rule. On the mound, Kauai was led by Pat Esteban, who threw four innings before handing the ball over to Levi Sagucio. The two combined to allow two runs while striking out five.
At the plate, Caleb Ephan went 2 for 4 with a double and two RBIs, while Kobey Dias went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles, a walk and an RBI.
Kauai was also aided by stellar defense from Matt Panit in the outfield, who was 2 for 2 at the plate.
On Sunday Kauai was able to win its second game against Mililani 5-3 to advance one more round.
Because the tournament is double-elimination, Kauai still has a chance to be crowned state champions. Kauai must win four games over the next two days. Its next game will be against the winner of the Windward, Kona game, the results of which were not available by press time. Kauai will now have to potentially play two games on Monday and two games on Tuesday.
As of press time, the only undefeated teams left were Hilo and Maui Blue, who beat Kauai in the opening round. Those two teams will meet in the semifinals today at 4 p.m. The winner will wait until Tuesday to play in the championship.
