Kamehameha puts Punahou in trouble | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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JAY METZGER / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER

Kamehameha’s Tatum Kauka scored on this shot against Punahou’s Allison Candelario and goalkeeper Aaliyah Fesili during the second half on Saturday.

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Determined to return to the girls state soccer tournament, Kamehameha won a key game Saturday to nudge forward in a crowded race for the postseason.

Tatum Kauka and Leah Feato each scored a goal to help the Warriors beat host Punahou 2-0 in an ILH match. Kamehameha (9-1-0) moved into second place in the league standings with 27 points, trailing ‘Iolani (9-0-1, 28 points). Punahou is 8-2-1 with 25 points and the league’s two state tournament berths — awarded to the top two teams — will be decided this week when the regular season concludes.

“We’re just going to keep telling ourselves to keep pushing harder and I think we can keep going up,” Kauka said.

Punahou finishes the regular season at ‘Iolani on Tuesday. Kamehameha hosts winless St. Francis on Tuesday and hosts ‘Iolani on Friday. ‘Iolani’s squad watched Saturday’s game, where the Warriors scored twice in the second half.

“We didn’t play our game today — we played their game and they played a great game,” said Punahou junior True Dydasco. “But we should’ve put away our chances.”

Kamehameha, which won the state title in 2014, finished third in the ILH last year and missed the state tournament.

“I’ve never had this feeling. Everyone says it’s the best feeling in the world just going to states,” Kauka said. “If we win it, that would be amazing.”

Both teams were aggressive and pressed forward to start the second half. Kamehameha goalkeeper Laulea Akana-Phillips made several saves to keep the match scoreless before Kauka’s goal in the 46th minute. Kauka received a header in the box and, with a bit of space, shot into the lower right corner from about 15 yards out.

“We always practice shooting in that area,” Kauka said. “It’s normal to take a touch and slot it in.”

Feato, one of four freshmen on the roster, scored from the same area in the 73rd minute, shooting into the top left corner.

“She’s an amazing player and that goal was beautiful,” Kauka said.

Punahou must win Tuesday’s game at ‘Iolani to remain in contention for a state berth. Dydasco said her team needs to forget Saturday’s result and move forward. Punahou tied ‘Iolani 1-1 in their last meeting on Jan. 5.

“We just need to forget about what happened today and go to practice on Monday and go into what we prepare for ‘Iolani,” Dydasco said. “That’s all we can do, push for the next game and forget what happened today.”