MAUI — The Protect Our Nation’s Youth Kaua‘i Bronco All-Stars faced Maui Host, twice to secure the 2023 PONY Baseball State Tournament title on Monday at the War Memorial Sports Complex in Wailuku, Maui.
The Kaua‘i Bronco All-Stars’ team mom, Ashley Yoshimori said, “With a victory over West Hawai‘i in the opening game, and Maui Host, the Kaua‘i team secured its spot in the Championship game that started at 9 a.m. on Monday. They triumphed again over Maui Host to bring home the title of Hawai‘i State Champions in the Bronco Division.”
The Kaua‘i Bronco All-Stars shut down West Hawai‘i, 10-0 to open the tournament, the win catapulting the Kaua‘i team to the semifinals where they edged Maui Host, 5-4 for one of the championship game slots.
Maui Host drew a preferential spot, getting a bye in the opening round of the 5-team tournament. Maui Host shut down Maui Area, 7-0 in the second round to face the Kaua‘i team that nipped them, 5-4.
The first loss in the double elimination tournament pit Maui Host against West Hawai‘i. Maui Host won 9-0 to move on to face Kaua‘i in the championship contest.
With the Hawai‘i title, the team coached by Stanton Yoshimori advances to compete in Moreno Valley, California, in the PONY West Zone Tournament from July 20-23.
The team has established a GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/40ae977b to help with expenses associated with traveling to California.
“Even a small donation could help Ashley Yoshimori reach their fundraising goal,” a parent emailed. “If you can’t make a donation, it would be great if you could share the fundraiser to help spread the word.”
Team manager is Richard Vigilia with Vincent Killeen as the business manager. Stanton Yoshimori is the team’s coach with Ashley Yoshimori doing team mom duty.
Players on the Kaua‘i Bronco All-Stars include Gerald Aceret-Coloma, Ayven Arruda, Blaze Beach, Tawney Brede, Chase Capuy-Gray, Davian Chiba, Kayden Graycochea, Keith Haraguchi, Soljah Kahale, Vincent Paden-Killeen, Kaden Planas, Kaleo Renaud, Robbie Tanita, Drake Vigilia and Taj Yoshimori.
