Rugby players on international tour

Four rugby players from Hawaii competed on the USA High School All-American Team during two recent international tours in England.

Waiakea’s Nu’u Aviava and Baldwin’s Vili Toluta’u played in the National School Sevens Festival at Rosslyn Park. The U.S., with Aviava as captain, finished 11th out of 105 teams.

Fitou Fisi’iahi of Kaiser and McKinley’s Lisala Kanongata’a competed on the 15s Tour at Wellington College. Fisi’iahi captained the U.S., losing to Wales 33-13 and England 12-6. The four will also compete on the South American Tour in July.

Placencia third at pool nationals

Waianae’s Sophina Placencia finished third in her division at last month’s APA 9-Ball Shootout in Las Vegas.

Placencia, one of 128 amateurs to qualify for the event, earned $3,000 in cash and prizes in the green tier of skills level 1-3.

Also from Hawaii were Steve Van Ness (33rd place, Level 8) and Ron Omoto (97th, Level 5).

In the 8-Ball Classic, Steven Weakly was the top finisher from Hawaii (33rd, Level 7). Kenneth Hicks and Terri Taira both placed 97th at Level 5 and U’i Vita was 129th, Level 5.

Team Jus 808, with Lle Chan and Grace Castillo, finished 97th in the Jack & Jill Doubles 8-Ball event.