The Lahaina Girls Softball Ten-and-under team battled to reach two championship games in recent tournaments.

LAHAINA — Lahaina Girls Softball is rounding third and on its way home to score another successful season.

According to LGS President Dennis Harmon, the West Side organization is nearing the end of a year that saw several of its teams finish at or near the top of their respective divisions of the MGSA (Maui Girls Softball Association) and then carry that energy into the state tournament of the Hawaii ASA (Amateur Softball Association).

LGS will culminate the year by hosting the Lahaina Invitational Tournament on July 23-25, then cap things off by competing in the Paradise Invitational on Oahu in August.

At the ASA State Tournament at the end of May, the LGS Ten-and-under team battled its way through the losers’ bracket to reach a championship match-up with Kulia, only to fall by a score of 8-2.

“After we lost on the first day, we fought our way back through the losers’ bracket and had to play seven games in two days,” explained Coach Dennis last week.

“On Sunday, we played four games, all back to back, starting from 9:30 in the morning. Our girls were exhausted but played tough the whole way.”

This team was coached by Harmon, Elia Nagasako, Glen Gonsalves, Kaleka Kaho‘ohalahala, Mamo Hussey, Denton Johnson and Keone O’Keefe.

The player roster was made up of Taylor Asio, Mino Christie, Talia Filikitonga-Lukela, Peka Garcia, Lisa Hafoka, Aliya Harmon, Giovanna Johnson, Mia Gerbig, Kayla Gonsalves, Kaitlin Hodgins, Kyana Nagasako, Tori Tihada, Jade Vila and Taylor Panlasigui.

Upon their return from Oahu, the 10U girls then suited up for the Maui Invitational Tournament at Kahului Field on June 10-12. Lahaina again battled their way to the championship final but fell to Waianae by a 3-2 score.

The LGS 12U team also finished second at the MIT event after competing at the state competition the week before. That team was coached by Angel Badua, Corrine Nobriga, Leimomi Hussey, Lepua Wright, Aloha Kaniho, Nolle Smith, Terrence Lendio and Charlene Ako.

The player roster was made up of Ariana Badua, Leeana Bivit, Tobi Bonifacio, Kaylee Harmon, Kaila Kaupe-DeLeon, Brandee Leopoldino, Christina Leopoldino, Nohealani Mahuna, Sadie Nobriga, Mikela Cabagua, Audrey Casicas, Elizha Christie, Kahakumele Hamakua, Ryah Kaniho, Keleah Koloi and Mele Pasikala.

Lahaina will enter two 14U teams into both the Lahaina Invitational and the Paradise tournament.

“We feel like we’ve had a very successful season,” added Coach Harmon. We’ve had the opportunity to travel and get some important exposure for the girls.

“Softball is all tournament-based, so it is a good experience for all of them, and I’m really looking forward to next year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the coaches, parents and supporters of Lahaina Girls Softball. It’s really been a fun year with this goofy group of kids.”