Aiea back in World
Series final today

In its two year run through the Junior League World Series, Aiea has not been dealt many losses. More importantly, when it has been knocked down, it has been able to get right back up.

Aiea avenged an earlier 7-3 tournament loss to Lake Charles, La., with a 7-1 win over the same team yesterday. The victory puts Aiea in the championship game against Maracaibo, Venezuela, who advanced by beating Surrey, British Columbia 4-2.

The final game is scheduled for today at noon at Taylor, Mich. Should Aiea win, it would become the first team in tournament history to repeat as champions. Aiea defeated Langley, British Columbia, 2-1 for last year's crown.

Aiea was behind 1-0 until the sixth inning yesterday, when it exploded for four runs. Lance Powell doubled home Kyle Kiyonaga and Kepa Wong, then scored on a ground out by Blaze Moleta. Shawn Ha'o walked home with the final run of the inning when Kyson Morikuni walked with the bases loaded.

Aiea scored three more times in the next inning on five walks and a Kyle Sakamoto single.

Ha'o pitched the first five innings for the win before Moleta and Powell each pitched an inning of scoreless relief.

Pajaro Valley Gamefish Club wins HIBT again

Rocky Franich, a 40-year veteran of the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, said it best, "The fishing this week was the greatest I've ever seen in Kona."

He had good reason to think so. Franich led his Pajaro Valley Gamefish Club of California to its second HIBT championship, earning all 1,350 points from tag and release action. Second place honors went to the Hokulia Anglers of Hawaii.

Perkins places third at Oxbow longboard

Colin McPhillips captured the 10th annual Oxbow World Championships yesterday, defeating Jason Ribbink in the richest longboard tournament ever. Local product Bonga Perkins tied for third.

McPhillips pocketed $15,000 for the victory. Perkins earned $4,600. He was the only surfer to manage a perfect 10-point ride in this year's event.

Polo's Wahine Cup up for grabs tomorrow

The Wicked Wahines square off against the Polo Divas as the Honolulu Polo Club hosts the Wahine Cup Challenge at 2:30 p.m. in Waimanalo tomorrow.

Women from all over the state will compete in the event. It is the first all-female polo match ever hosted by the HPC.

Gates open at 1 p.m. for tailgating. Tickets cost $3. For information call 732-8870.

Mountain Man riders to pass through Kualoa

Triathletes will ride through the setting for the movie Jurassic Park during the bicycle leg of the Bikefactory MountainMan Triathlon at Kualoa Ranch today.

An XTERRA qualifying event, it is part of the Global Environmental MountainMan Triathlon Series.

Hawaii's Own

Benny Agbayani, Mets: The St. Louis and Hawaii Pacific alumnus did not play in New York's 8-3 loss to Los Angeles.

Mike Fetters, Pirates: The Iolani graduate did not pitch in Pittsburgh's 6-5 loss to Houston.