LIHUE — The Waimea XXX became the first team to win the Family Stones’ High School Alumni Softball tournament for four consecutive years on Oahu. Anthony Vidinha, in an email, said tournament officials confirmed this feat has not been accomplished previously
LIHUE — The Waimea XXX became the first team to win the Family Stones’ High School Alumni Softball tournament for four consecutive years on Oahu.
Anthony Vidinha, in an email, said tournament officials confirmed this feat has not been accomplished previously at the annual tournament, which ended Aug. 4.
Playing at the Patsy Mink Central Oahu Regional Park in Waipio, Oahu, the Waimea XXX bested a field of 64 alumni teams from throughout the state, including several teams from Waimea, Kauai and Kapaa high schools.
During the double-elimination tournament, the Waimea XXX remained undefeated, highlighted by an intense battle against Pearl City in which Waimea won 9-7 to advance to the title match.
“Waimea came out swinging,” said Vidinha in an email.
Starting with its initial game, Waimea XXX sailed through its first five games with its matches ending in a 4-inning mercy ruling.
Opening on Aug. 2, Waimea XXX chalked up 20 runs in its 20-5 win over an alumni team from Kailua High School.
The Waimea squad continued with a 16-3 win over Mid-Pacific Institute in five innings.
Next on the lineup, Waimea XXX bested an alumni team from Kaimuki High School in another mercy ruling game, 23-7, when Waimea generated 12 runs with 17 batters going up to the plate.
Moving on to face the Campbell Select, an alumni team from Campbell High School, the Waimea XXX pounded out five home runs in the first inning en route to a 17-2 win in another game shortened by the mercy ruling.
Moving through the winner’s bracket, Waimea XXX got past St. Louis before facing Pearl City.
Facing St. Louis for the title, Waimea’s offensive production was evident from the outset as the team chalked up 15 runs with 19 players going up to bat in the first inning, Vidinha said.
“Every player on the roster had at least one hit in the contest,” Vidinha said. “The game was shortened via the mercy rule to five innings with Waimea XXX defending its title on the 19-4 final score.”
Ashley Vidinha, touting a 17-for-19 showing at the plate over seven games, including nine homeruns, was awarded the tournament most outstanding player.
“Waimea XXX will surely be at the 31st annual event to try and successfully defend its title in 2014,” Anthony Vidinha said.
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
