LVSSA/SSUSA Senior Softball World Masters Championships 2013

This year at the LVSSA/SSUSA, 2013 Las Vegas Senior Softball World Master Championship there are 480 participating teams. The Family Stones 55 AAA from Hawaii is one of the teams participating in this Championship being held in Las Vegas, NV. from Sept. 27-29, 2013.

Besides the Family Stones, other Hawaii teams in the tournament were Fresh Poke, Hawaiians, Kauai 60/Nogi's, Makua Alii, Da Hui, Makule Kinipopo, Kauai 65's, Hawaiian Pride, Makule Kane, and Hawaii 75th. The Hawaiians Men's 50-AA placed 1st., The Hawaiians Men's 55-AA placed 2nd., and the Hawaiians Women's 40-AA placed 2nd.

The Family Stones held their tournament at the Arroyo Grande Sports Complex on Friday and played their first game against the MI Sports (CO) 3-13, and then the Dessert Dawgs (CA) 2-23, but came up short in both games.  Saturday, they played the Integrity Builders (NE) 12-19, the Buds Tucson (AZ) 16-14, and the Deep Purple (MA) 22-21 which came down to the wire.  This win gave them an opportunity to advance to Sunday's Championship, but the Old Time Brothers (CT) stopped their advance by winning it 23-17.  Great weather and a great game played by all.  FINAL RESULTS "click here."

I was told how this all got started. It all started in 1977 with pick-up teams for fun.  Players at the Old Whipple Field chose teams and played.  No tournaments though.  In 1980, primarily players were age 60+.  They played at Hartke Park.  Joe Jenecaro set up the original "Cashman Field" tournament, which included four teams from Hawaii.  In the 1980's, Rocky Mann planned two tournaments and played at a five-diamond complex on South Las Vegas Boulevard.  The Jenecaro/Mann groups merged in the mid-80's and played at Paradise Park.  In 1991, this organized club moved to the present Lorenzi Park fields in Las Vegas.  The Las Vegas Senior Silver Rebels became the name of the club at that time.

The Las Vegas Senior Softball Association, Inc. (LVSSA) was formed on February 17, 2000.  Women's teams joined the association in 2002, and like the men, became quite competitive in tournaments.  Currently there are over 300 active senior men and women members.  LVSSA is a
nonprofit corporation. Candid photos of the games above Sept. 27-29, 2013 "Click here." More information on the tournament "click here." To see all 480 participating Teams "click here."

Na Menehune Volleyball Girls Tame the McKinley Tigers

Tonight's game at the McKinley High School Gym was a test of strength and agility between the McKinley Tigers and the Moanalua Na Menehune girls volleyball team.  The game started out with the "blue team" who went two sets, 25-10 and 25-21 in favor of Moanalua.

Then came the JV girls who fought it out in three sets.  This was a battle of stamina and hard hitting smashes between both teams.  The Tigers took the first set 25-20.  Into the JV second set, Na Menehune girls took the lead 7-4 and the Tigers tied it at 12-12.  As they continued back and forth, and getting down to the wire in the second set, the Na Menehune girls pulled ahead 24-21 and finally ended the set at 25-22.  Wow, that was only the beginning.  Don't anyone stand up to get a spam rice bowl.

In the JV third set, the yelling in the gym was so loud I had to put on my ear plugs.  This set was the main attraction for the night.  The Na Menehune again took the lead 4-1, then 10-7, and then 12-10.  Just when you think the Tigers were clawing themselves back, the Na Menehune ended the set 15-12.  Now you can get your spam rice bowl.

As for the Varsity girls, it was well balanced game between both teams with hard hitting from the outside.  Na Menehune #5, Silerolia Gaogao was devastating with her kills.  The Na Menehune Varsity girls won the game in two sets, 25-14 and 25-12.  The Moanalua Varsity girls now stand at 7-0 in the OIA East.  More on the scores and stats, "click here."  Candid photos, "click here."

Kaimuki Bulldogs Get Leashed By Moanalua Na Menehune 40-13

The Na Menehune Varsity Football team lost to Kahuku (19-33) two weeks ago, but were ready to play this past Saturday against the Kaimuki Bulldogs at Kaiser High School. To sum up the game, Na Menehune QB Micah Kaneshiro was on target all night and threw for over 400 yards and six TDs.

Na Menehune WR #3, D. Lambert scored the first TD and ended up with three for the night, along with WR #2, J. Sharsh with one TD and WR #1, Chad Aragon with two TDs.

The Bulldogs were scoreless in the first quarter and scored their first TD late into the second quarter by RB #13, R. Tuitama to make it 6-25.  Late in the third quarter, a one yard sneak by Kaimuki LB #99, J. Rios and extra point by Kicker #23, R. Swinehart made it 13-33.  In the final quarter, Na Menehune WR #1, C. Aragon (photo above) and Kicker #17, T. Sheridan ended the game 40-13.  For more photos "click here."

Moanalua Na Menehune Take It Down To The Wire Over The Governors.

"Rock The House" describes last night's game at the Moanalua High School gym between the Farrington Governors and the Moanalua Na Menehune Varsity Girls Volleyball team.  The excitement reminded me of when I covered the Kahuku and Kamehameha football game at the Aloha Stadium two years ago.  The Kahuku fans stomped the bleachers, shouted and cheered and believe it or not, the steel structure of the Aloha Stadium started to sway side to side, and that was spooky!

Tonight, nobody dared to leave their seats or go to the restroom as the score was tied 18-18, 23-23, 24-24, 25-25, 26-25.  With a strong determination by the Na Menehune girls, their powerhouse outside hitter #5 Silerolia Gaogao (photo above) on a great set ended the game 27-25.  In the OIA East, Moanalua is currently 3-0.  More candid photos "click here."