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Local softball team returns from Hawaii

Taupou 18U softball team
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Taupou Softball’s 18U Team traveled to Oahu last weekend, and have since returned after keeping a high maintenance hectic schedule. They left on Apr. 13th and returned on the 17th.

The travel team had meetings with UH Manoa’s and Hawaii Pacific University’s Head Coaches, competed against the Lady Raiders of Kahuku High School, and had the opportunity to train with the well-known NCAA home run record holder Jocelyn Alo’s batting coach.

According to Taupou Team Admin Saipai Cassens-Aetonu, “The experience for them was priceless and showing them there are opportunities for local girls to first become the best person they can be and secondly use softball as a means to pay for college, get the degree they want, and in return give back to their families and communities that raised them.”

There is certainly a buzz for softball and baseball happening on the island. American Samoa Little League started their 6 and up girls’ program and the Ambassador Baseball Team returned from the NCS World Series in Orange County last July.

Cassens-Aetonu further added, “The name Taupou was chosen as a representation of our daughters, who in our culture are held in the highest regards as our family princesses.

“Every where we went in Hawaii, people asked what the name meant and that started a conversation connected to our culture.

“Our culture is what we take with us, no matter where we end up.”

The Taupou Softball and Ambassador Baseball Teams have been fundraising and will be traveling this July to compete in Northern and Southern California at the Triple Crown Series and The DIR International World Series.

The teams also has a gofundme if anyone would like to donate to the future big tournament trip