by Louanna Kaio
The tournament in Mililani was hot and Ko'olau girls were hotter. Bobby Division 9 to 11 played hard and placed second. Girls for the first time playing softball gave it all they could during the tournament. They represented Waimanalo proudly. Family and friends were all present to support both teams--Mililani Park looked like Waimanalo Park with so many of our families there.
Congratulations to our Ko'olau girls, the second place winners in the State Bobby Sox Division. Coach Wil Nahooikaika, Coach Chubby Miller, Manager Annie Miller, Chaperone Aunty Sista ChoyFoo. Players: Mahi Kahalewai, Trisha Pedro, Pikake ChoyFoo, Pilialoha Afong, Loke Lastimosa, Sherri-lyn Kalama, Regina Cummings, Heather Lapinad, Janna Kekaula, Duchess Maikai, Christina Lui, Healani Kauhi-ChoyFoo.
As for the champions in their division, Ko'olau Bobby Sox American Girls Division won all games played in the tournament. Scores were: Ko'olau over Kahalu'u: 12 to 0. Ko'olau over Mililani: 11 to 4. Ko'olau over Wahiawa: 27 to 0. Ko'olau over Mililani: 8 to 0.
The champion team is: Head Coach Joe Kapule, Manager Georgilyn Apuna, Chaperone Louanna Kaio, Coach Boyd Kalama. Players: Chris Miranda, Kalei Kaleiohi, Sheena Kalama, Nanipono Kailihiwa, Leinani Kaio, Heidi Matthews, Shovaune Kalama.
Now comes the hard part--fund raising for the Nationals. These local girls from Waimanalo are not just representing Waimanalo, they are representing Hawai'i! We need every means of monetary donations to get to San Diego. The girls are already fundraising selling sweetbread, sausages, and beef jerky. Mahalo to the Friends of Waimanalo for their $1,200 donation.
Last year at the Nationals, we placed second. This year we will go for first place!