HANAPEPE — The Kaua‘i Senior Softball League opened its 2023 season on Saturday, Jan. 7, with games being contested at Pat Baniaga Field in Hanapepe and Kaumakani ball parks following the season-opening ceremony at Pat Baniaga Field.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami threw out the traditional first pitch, with Kaua‘i County Council Chair Mel Rapozo taking his swing at the pitch.
There are 13 teams that make up the league that plays on Saturdays at two different ball parks due to the number of teams participating.
The Rookies are the league’s defending champions from 2022, and enjoyed an opening day bye. They first see action on Saturday, Jan. 14, when they meet Imi‘Ola, an 18-4 winner over the Bushwackas on Jan. 7 at Hanapepe.
First pitches for their games go off at 9 a.m.
Results
At Pat Baniaga Field, Hanapepe
Barteks 16, Kawaihau 12
Imi‘Ola 18, Bushwackas 4
Lihu‘e A’s 24, West Kaua‘i 5
At Kaumakani
Hanama‘ulu Hillsiders 23, East Kaua‘i Legends 14
Solid Steel 20, Makos 19
Keonimana Gents 22, Kuku’s Aces 4
Schedule
Jan. 14
At Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex, Kapa‘a
9 a.m.: Rookies vs. Imi‘Ola
Solid Steel vs. Lihu‘e A’s
10:30 a.m.: East Kaua‘i Legends vs. West Kaua‘i
Kawaihau vs. Keonimana Gents
Noon: Bushwackas vs. Barteks
Kuku’s Aces vs. Makos
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.