Pilipaa of Hilo finished 10th in the 18-and-under open division at the 33rd annual SCVA Las Vegas Classic, which wrapped up Monday.
Carrying a roster primarily filled with players still eligible for 17U or 16U play, Pilipaa compiled a 7-3 record (second in the silver division) with its only losses coming to clubs that finished in the top nine.
Players such as Laurie McGrath, Nani Spaar, Tiani Bello, Loke Kuamo’o, Aulike Kaiawe, Mia Takai and Aaliyah Asuncion returned from the team that finished second in the 16U club division at the tournament last year.
“It was a big jump up from 16s club to the 18s open division, but our returning players along with new additions Kaysha Kahai-Enos, Keala Wright and Kaili Pila steeped up to meet the challenge,” coach Chris Leonard said.
Pilipaa posted the third highest point-differential in the 52 team field.
“We have had many strong teams in the past, but they have usually played in the club division,” Leonard said. “This is the first time that we have entered our Pilipaa girls in the open division of a large prestigious national tournament. They proved that they can compete and succeed against some of the best players from around the country.
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