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Matson High School's Kickers Capture Inaugural Konqer Kickballz Championship

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 1:12 GMT by Pacific Daily News

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Summary of “Matson Wins Inaugural Konqer Kickballz Tourney”
(Guam Pacific Daily News – March 15 2024)

1. Event Overview

The Guam Pacific Daily News reported on the first-ever Konqer Kickballz Tournament, a community‑focused kickball competition that kicked off last Saturday (March 10) at the Guam Memorial Stadium in Mangilao. The tournament was organized by the local business Konqer Kickballz, a Guam‑based athletic gear manufacturer, as part of its “Kickball for All” initiative to promote active recreation among youth and families.

The event drew 28 teams from across the island, ranging from elementary school squads to adult recreational leagues. A total of over 200 participants—including players, coaches, and volunteers—took part in a series of double‑elimination games spanning a full day. The tournament concluded with a grand final on the afternoon of Saturday, where Matson High School’s “Matson Kickers” emerged victorious.

The article linked to the Konqer Kickballz website for more details on the company’s mission and the gear they supplied for the tournament. That link also highlighted the company's commitment to sustainability, noting that all equipment was made from recycled materials.

2. The Winning Team – Matson Kickers

Matson Kickers represented Matson High School’s junior varsity crew. The squad’s roster included 12 players, all of whom had been practicing for two seasons under coach Lisa Hernandez. Hernandez, featured in a side note in the article, praised the team’s “team‑first attitude and unrelenting hustle” as key to their success.

In the championship game, Matson faced off against St. Paul’s United, a well‑seasoned adult league. The match was decided in the final inning, with Matson scoring a decisive run thanks to a home run by captain Jenna Torres and a walk‑off hit by freshman Ryan Lee. The final score read 4‑3 in favor of the Kickers.

The article quoted Matson’s senior Kenny “Kick” Rivera (who was named the tournament MVP):
> “It feels amazing to win the first Konqer tournament. We trained hard, and the support from the whole school made it possible.”

3. Tournament Structure and Key Matches

The tournament followed a double‑elimination bracket format, ensuring each team played at least two games. Games were held in a “scrimmage‑style” setup with a 12‑yard base line and a 7‑inch ball—standard kickball dimensions.

Key moments highlighted in the article include:

• Opening Game: Matson’s opening win over the Marina Park Juniors showcased their strong defense, with an impressive 12‑strikeout inning.
• Quarterfinal Upset: The senior‑level team Pacific Pirates (a powerhouse in local leagues) were upset by the Lakeside Legends, a rookie team that had only practiced twice before the tournament.
• Semifinal Thriller: Matson narrowly defeated Sunnyside Strikers 5‑4 after a dramatic 8th‑inning rally.

The article linked to the tournament’s official bracket (posted on the Konqer website) for readers who wanted to see the full schedule and results.

4. Community and Sponsor Involvement

Konqer Kickballz, the event’s title sponsor, contributed over $10,000 in prize money and equipment. The sponsor’s website (linked in the article) includes a photo gallery of the trophy presentation and the distribution of gear to participants. Additionally, the sponsor announced a “Future Champions Scholarship” for the highest-scoring player of the tournament, further encouraging youth participation.

Beyond Konqer, the tournament received financial support from the Guam Sports Commission, and logistical help from local volunteers who handled refreshments, first aid, and scorekeeping. The Guam Daily News article also referenced a partnership with “Play Guam”, a regional program that encourages sports among high school students.

5. Kickball in Guam – A Brief Context

The article provided a quick historical note: kickball was introduced in Guam during the 1970s by American military families and has since become a staple in school physical‑education classes. The Konqer Kickballz initiative is the first major attempt to create a semi‑professional league on the island.

A link to the Guam Sports Hall of Fame (included in the article) gave readers a deeper look at how kickball has evolved locally, highlighting legendary players and past community tournaments.

6. Quotes & Reactions

• Coach Hernandez:
  > “Seeing our kids excel on the field today is a reminder that sports can bring out the best in our students. I’m proud of how they played with integrity and sportsmanship.”

• Matson’s Team Captain, Jenna Torres:
  > “We’re going to take this momentum into next season. The championship is just the beginning.”

• Local Fan, Maria Lopez (who followed the tournament via livestream):
  > “I loved the energy. It’s a great day for family and friends to come together and support the kids.”

7. Additional Resources & Links

The article included the following hyperlinks for readers seeking further information:

1. Konqer Kickballz Official Site – provides product information, upcoming events, and a gallery of the inaugural tournament.
2. Tournament Bracket & Results – a downloadable PDF of all matches, scores, and standings.
3. Guam Sports Commission – details on sports funding and community outreach programs.
4. Guam Sports Hall of Fame – background on kickball’s influence in Guam.
5. Play Guam Program – information on youth sports initiatives across the island.

By following these links, readers can explore the broader context of kickball in Guam, the philanthropic efforts behind the tournament, and the potential for future competitions.

8. Bottom Line

The Konqer Kickballz Tournament marked a significant milestone for Guam’s local sports scene, showcasing the talents of young athletes and the community’s support for recreational activities. Matson High School’s “Matson Kickers” not only claimed the first championship but also set a high standard for future participants. With sponsors like Konqer Kickballz investing in equipment and scholarships, and the backing of Guam’s Sports Commission, the tournament promises to grow into a staple event that encourages healthy competition, community bonding, and athletic development for years to come.