HANAPEPE — People will always find something to do, said Michael Koerte, an official with the Waimea High School softball invitational schedule. The officials and players were waiting on a decision on whether the tournament was going to play Friday
HANAPEPE — People will always find something to do, said Michael Koerte, an official with the Waimea High School softball invitational schedule.
The officials and players were waiting on a decision on whether the tournament was going to play Friday following the passage of a weather front from the southwest that brought heavy rains, thunder and lightning to parts of the island.
“The main thing is to be able to let these teams play at least five games,” said Waimea coach Teddy Perreira. “We were at a tournament last week, and due to the rain, were able to get in four games. Some teams only played three games.”
Nine teams from off-island are here for the tournament, being joined by host Waimea, Kapaa and Kauai high schools at the Hanapepe Stadium complex through Saturday afternoon.
“Most of the teams were able to get in two games Thursday, the opening day,” Koerte said. “If we can get in one game for everyone, Friday, we’ll be in good shape. We can finish Saturday with everybody playing another two games.”
Kapaa High School coach Scott Kaui and his staff had a bus to bring his players who spent the time staying dry under the lanai of the adjacent Hanapepe Neighborhood Center.
“This is good,” Kaui said. “It’s bonding. Up until Monday, we had maybe six, or seven girls. Then, on Monday, we now have 14 players. This is a good opportunity to have the team bond.”
Kaui said Kapaa lost a tight 5-4 match, Thursday to Waialua before dropping 6-3 to the Kaiser Cougars.
“We open the season against Waimea in less than two weeks at home,” Kaui said. “This tournament gives our girls a chance to play.”
Over at the Hanapepe pavilion, Kauai High School head coach Xan Silva was spending time with her staff.
The Kauai Red Raiders also dropped both ends of its matches, Thursday to Mililani and the Mid-Pacific Institute.
Teams participating in the tournament include Waimea, Pac-Five, Kamehameha-Big Island, Iolani, Farrington and McKinley in the Blue Pool.
Kauai, Kapaa, Mid-Pacific Institute, Kaiser and Waialua make up the White Pool.
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
