Hilo rallies from 3-0 deficit to beat Arizona

Mason Suga's single in the bottom of the seventh inning drove in Jeremy Kaaukai with the game-winning run as Hilo rallied to defeat Arizona, 4-3, yesterday in the opening round of Little League's Big League (ages 16-18) division Western Regional Tournament at San Bernardino, Calif.

Hilo trailed 3-0 and was down to its last out in the seventh, the last scheduled inning. Pinch-hitter Rendall Naiga was hit by a pitch and Bricen Baruela reached on a throwing error. Loren Demello's single to right field loaded the bases, and a passed ball cut the deficit to 3-1. A double by Kaaukai scored Baruela and Demello, tying the game.

After an intentional walk to catcher Avery Kagawa, Suga singled to right-center field, bringing Kaaukai home from second.

The winner of today's Hilo-Southern California game secures a spot in Monday's championship game in the double-elimination tournament.

Mililani sweeps PONY state tournaments

Mililani made it a clean sweep in the PONY League, claiming titles in all four age divisions.

• Pony (13-14): Mililani outlasted Kane'ohe Athletic Club, 7-5, in the championship game, and moves onto the West Zone Regional, Aug. 7 to 11, at Fullerton, Calif. The Zone winner advances to the World Series, Aug. 14 to 21, at Washington, Pa.

• Bronco (11-12): Mililani held off Windward, 4-2, in the O'ahu Regional championship, advancing to the West Zone Regional, beginning Friday at War Memorial Stadium on Maui, where they will be joined by teams from Maui, Kaua'i and the Big Island. The World Series is Aug. 5 to 11 at Monterey, Calif.

• Mustang (9-10): Mililani routed Makakilo, 10-0, in the title game. The West Zone Regional at Chino Hills, Calif., begins Thursday. The winner goes to the World Series, Aug. 4 to 7, at Irving, Texas.

• Pinto (7-8 years old): Mililani captured the unofficial state tournament almost a month ago, beating Manoa A, 16-7.

Softball

Kamikaze advances in national tourney

Kailua's Courtney Kessell earned two wins, and Jessica Ghazali of University High won once for the Kamikaze 18-under softball team in the Rush to Gold National Invitational Tournament in Irvine, Calif.

Kessell, a senior, pitched a one-hitter in a 2-0 win yesterday against the Colorado Stars Gold and a three-hitter with 10 strikeouts in a 3-1 victory Thursday against New Mexico Sundance.

Ghazali, a sophomore, struck out 10 in leading Kamikaze over the California Wave Gold, 3-1.

The team advances to the single-elimination round starting today.

Philippines represented in Hawai'i tournament

The Alabang Athletics, a group of 108 softball players, coaches and parents from the Philippines will be participating in the Kids Hawai'i World Series tournament, which runs tomorrow to next Saturday at Waipi'o's Central O'ahu Regional Park.

The tournament includes 10-under, 16-under, and 18-under divisions. Admission is free, and begins at 9 a.m.

Sports wire: Volleyball

United States women hold off Thailand

Tayyiba Haneef scored a team-high 16 points — 15 kills and one block — to lead three players in double figures as the United States defeated Thailand, 25-17, 25-20, 22-25, 22-25, 15-5, to improve to 6-2 at the World Grand Prix in Rostock, Germany.

Logan Tom and Ogonna Nnamani scored 15 and 13 points, respectively, for the United States, which has already clinched a spot in the finals.