HILO — Kamehameha-91直播 girls soccer capped off another dominant conference season after beating 91直播 Preparatory Academy in Thursday’s CPB/BIIF Division II Girls Soccer Championship at Hilo High. The Lady Warriors handled Ka Makani for the second time this season, winning 3-1.
Kahalia Huddleston and Kekelaokalani Kalauokaaea-Kahele scored KSH’s first two goals in the first half, while Lily Kay Wong scored the Lady Warriors’ final goal in the 45th minute. Vaiana Lussiaa of HPA scored the last goal of the afternoon in the 47th minute.
KSH finished the island season a perfect 9-0-0 with an impressive 46-2 goal differential, including seven shutouts.
“We have a big senior class that’s worked hard for many years, so it was nice for them to finish their senior year and win four (BIIF titles),” fifth-year head coach Steven Cootey told the paper. “So that was something we were pretty happy about.
“I was happy about our offensive output (against HPA).”
There was plenty of familiarity within the Lady Warriors heading into the season, as the team returned eight seniors and 10 starters from their state championship team a year ago. While Cootey thinks it’s the most talented team the program has had, he acknowledged there were challenges managing such a deep roster.
“It’s the most talented team we’ve had, at least since I’ve been here,” he explained. “Which adds its own challenges. Sometimes it’s a struggle to get a good rhythm and incorporate everybody — we’ve gone through so many different lineups and formations.
“But it’s a good problem for us to have. It’s all about finding a balance and team chemistry.”
The Lady Warriors also played eight of their nine matches away due to the ongoing construction on Kamehameha’s campus, and had to practice on the school’s intermediate field instead of their own turf field — which was a challenge in itself, as that field is uneven with some mud.
While the circumstances were less than ideal, Cootey believed it strengthened the team’s overall mindset, and ultimately challenged them in a unique way.
“This group has been playing with each other for a long time, and I think the determination and drive while also still enjoying ourselves is something that we’re proud of,” he said. “I think because of that adversity, it prepares us for (the state tournament) where we’re traveling and playing away.”
While the team is filled with veteran leadership, Cootey was particularly impressed with the strides Huddleston made as a sophomore.
“(Huddleston) was a big part of our season,” Cootey said. “We moved her position (to defensive midfielder), and she’s been such an influence for us on and off the field.”
Aside from Huddleston, Kay Wong and Kalauokaaea-Kahele, the Lady Warriors’ roster consists of seniors Lahela Cootey, Alyssa Hudman, Callie Chong, Madisyn Meyers, Liliana Chandler, Mikaila Aina, Rhacelyn Respicio and Alohi Kalaola-Maruquin, juniors Kealani Weddle and Aisyss Respicio-Ragocos, sophomores Emma Cootey, Inalei Haunga and Kiari-Lynne Andrade-Aiona Aka and freshmen Kalia Aina, Lainey Chong, Bree Sanborn and Milan Haunio.
While KSH won’t know its seeding and first opponent in the HHSAA Division II tournament until this weekend, Steven Cootey and the Lady Warriors are ready for any challenge that awaits them. After all, if anyone knows what it takes to raise a state banner, it’s Kamehameha.
“We have the depth and experience, and I think we’re prepared for it,” Cootey said. “We’re trying to get through that first game — it’s always the toughest one. Just get through the first game and get a rhythm going.
“Whatever happens, happens. I would say we’ve already had a successful season.”
HPA will also earn a bid in the DII state tournament after finishing the island season 7-3-0 with a 32-8 goal differential.
“I was very happy with how our girls competed throughout the day,” Ka Makani athletic director and head coach Steve Perry said. “Everyone did their job and had good composure.
“Kamehameha is always a tough battle, as they capitalize quickly on any mistake. Their athleticism and speed is a challenge for anyone to play against. I was proud of our efforts in meeting the challenge.”
Perry also praised Lussiaa, Zaylee Moses, Madie Buczyna, Tae Detwiler and Kekai Lansdale — who were all key contributors to the team throughout the season. Lussiaa was the team’s top scorer with 11 total goals.
“It was great to see (Moses) and (Lussiaa) put pressure on their back line and get a nice finish as well,” he continued. “Our midfielders are our engine, and they worked extremely hard. (Buczyna) and (Detwiler) cover a lot of ground. (Lansdale) held our back line and did a nice job stepping to break things up.”
Like the Lady Warriors, Ka Makani won’t know its first state opponent until later this weekend, but is looking forward to competing against some of the top competition on the islands.
“Hopefully, we have the opportunity to square off with Kamehameha again, but we have lots of work to take care of first,” Perry explained. “The girls are excited for Oahu and look forward to representing the BIIF well.”
See the paper next week for state tournament updates.
