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After winning the Little League District 1 championship, the Kawaihau All-Stars were treated to an in-person congratulations from Mayor Derek Kawakami’s and the Kauai County Council on Wednesday.
The team, competing in the Major Division (12-and-under), topped Kaneohe 15-1 in the title game at Heeia Neighborhood Park in Kaneohe on Oahu.
That one run run was the only run against Kawaihau throughout the tournament that featured other competing teams Kainalu, Kailua and Kahaluu.
The Kawaihau Little League team is off to Maui for the state tournament after capturing the district title.
“It was a good play (made by the opponents),” Richie Rich, a Kawaihau coach, said. “They subbed in the only girl in the tournament and they scored on a base hit to the outfield. The throw came in short to the cut-off.”
Previously, Kawaihau shut down Kailua 10-0 and Kaneohe 11-0.
“This is the team,” one of the police officers who coaches with the Kawaihau Community Little League said. “They (had) won championships for two years in a row before this one. Now, they have to face Maui in the states. Maui has a pretty good program, too … winning by double digits and not allowing runs.”
With the title securely on the wall, the Kawaihau All-Stars head to Maui for the Hawaii Little League State Championships starting July 16.
Kawaihau will play Pearl City on the opening day of the tournament that also includes Hilo, Maui Central, and Honolulu.
The winner of the states advances to San Bernardino, Calif., for the West Regionals, where a berth in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., is at stake.
