As the calendar is set to hit August, the Hilo Broncos are playing for more than just the love of the game.
Motivated by the fate of their friends back home, they furthered their goal of delaying the inevitable.
Hanalei Warren’s three-run double Thursday fueled Hilo to a 7-4 comeback victory against Long Beach, Calif., in its opening game at the PONY West regional in Whittier, Calif.
“They were talking about staying out of school as long as they could,” coach Chris Honda said.
Instead of going to class Friday, the ages 11-12 team will report back to York Field for a 2 p.