Central East Maui Team Falls Short in US Little League Title Match

August 24, 2019, 6:30 AM HST
* Updated August 24, 12:25 PM

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A World Series journey has come to an end for the Central East Maui Little League Team after a 9-5 loss to the Eastbank Little League of Louisiana earlier today.

The two teams met up earlier in the tournament, with Hawaiʻi claiming a 5-2 win last week Friday, Aug. 16 as the tournament got underway in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

The Maui boys went on to shutout Elizabeth, N.J. in a two-part game that was rain and thunder delayed, concluding with a 6-0 win on Monday; followed by a 12-9 win over the Southeast Region team, South Riding, Va. on Wednesday.

The Little League World Series notes that this is the fifth time the state of Hawai’i has made it to Williamsport since 2005. Hawaiʻi has won the coveted World Series title three times, including last year with the Honolulu Little League team capturing the world title.

In addition to family and friends, Maui Mayor Michael Victorino is among the supporters who traveled to Williamsport to cheer the Maui boys on from the stands.

“The people of Hawaii have fallen in love with the members of this phenomenal team, and I’m so proud of how they have demonstrated good sportsmanship in representing not only Maui County but the entire state of Hawaii. Mayor Victorino said in a press release issued earlier this week.

Mayor Victorino has taken vacation time to travel Williamsport at his own expense.

The World Series title game between Willemstad, Curacao and Louisiana is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. HST (3 p.m. EST) on Sunday, Aug. 25.

The double-elimination tournament features 16 teams from around the world. The age cap this year means there are no teenagers on the roster, only 11- and 12-year-olds playing for the tournament title.

The team from Wailuku Maui advanced to the Little League World Series after winning the West Regional Title on Aug. 10, in San Bernardino, California.

ESPN Links: Scores | LLWS Live on espn+ | Team-by-Team Previews