The Kawaihau Senior Softball Team bucked the odds last weekend on Maui on its way to the “E” Division state crown. “We dedicated the games to former player Louie Nuesca, who was killed along with his wife last year in
The Kawaihau Senior Softball Team bucked the odds last weekend on Maui on its way to the “E” Division state crown.
“We dedicated the games to former player Louie Nuesca, who was killed along with his wife last year in a tragic automobile accident,” Kawaihau player Stephen Fujii said in an e-mail.
Kawaihau ran off a perfect 4-0 record in pool A.
The squad defeated Pu‘uwai ‘Opio of the Big Island, 21-8; Hui O Na Kolohe of the Big Island, 19-9; Guavas of Maui, 15-10 and Mustangs of O‘ahu, 15-14.
In the championship contest, Kawaihau met a familiar foe in another Garden Isle squad, Kuku’s Aces.
“After a hard fought, enjoyable game, we beat them, 21-11,” Fujii said.
The team also garnered special thoughts for players who weren’t able to make the trip.
“Paul Awazu was caring for his wife, who is battling a life-threatening disease,” he said. “Paul Guzman is battling a rotator cuff ailment and Patrick Iwasaki is recovering from a broken collar bone.”
The team also wishes to give special thanks to Service Rentals & Supply Co. for sticking with them as they annually finish towards the bottom of the league.
In other state title news, West Kaua‘i took the “D” championship. Lihu‘e placed third in the “A” division and the Rookies fared well in the “B” bracket.
East Kaua‘i and K-Makule also participated in the event.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
