KAPAA — The host Kawaihau Community Little League Majors All Stars will enjoy a break when the District 1 Tournament starts 10 a.m. Friday at the New Kapaa Town Park Main Diamond. Jason Nagahisa, president of the Kawaihau Little League,
KAPAA — The host Kawaihau Community Little League Majors All Stars will enjoy a break when the District 1 Tournament starts 10 a.m. Friday at the New Kapaa Town Park Main Diamond.
Jason Nagahisa, president of the Kawaihau Little League, said the public is invited to view the competition when teams from the District 1, including host Kawaihau Majors All Stars, Kailua, Kaneohe, Kahaluu, and Kainalu battle through Tuesday, and Wednesday if necessary, for the title of District 1 and eligibility to enter the Hawaii Little League state tournament.
There will be two games on Friday, 10 a.m. when Kainalu meets Kahaluu, and 1 p.m. when Kaneohe, the defending champions, take on Kailua. Host Kawaihau will meet the winner of the Kainalu, Kahaluu match at 10 a.m. Saturday.
The vanquished from the Friday games will meet starting at 1 p.m.
“We’re looking pretty good,” said Kawaihau Coach Mike Cardinez. “Last year, we made it to the championships before losing to Kaneohe. We’ve been hearing they are the team to beat, but we must get there first. Kaneohe has always been a tough team.”
Kaimi Malina, a returning player from last year’s District 1 tournament, said following their loss in the championship game, they’ve been working harder and have also tried to motivate the incoming players to the same work ethic.
“I’m feeling pretty good entering the tournament,” said Noa Cardinez, another returning player and possibly the No. 1 pitcher for Kawaihau. “I’ve got to remember to throw strikes and have the defense make the plays.”
Ricky Rego, playing third base and pitcher, said he’s been putting in the effort to improve his hitting.
“I need to work on putting the bat to the ball,” Rego said.
Levi Cummings, another returning player, said the team has been working hard in every aspect of the game.
“We’ve been practicing more on defense and cutting down on errors to eliminate runs,” Cummings said.
The championship game for the District 1 tournament is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday with Wednesday scheduled, if necessary.
