Pearl City girls, Moanalua boys win

Kapolei might have been the favorite, but the Pearl City Chargers know a thing or two about performing in the clutch.

The Chargers captured their fourth OIA girls judo championship at Waipahu High on Friday, overwhelming Kapolei 70-30 in stunningly easy fashion.

Several of the final matches were decided by ippon, including one by freshman Netanya Kang (129) that put the Chargers ahead 50-30. That nipped any Kapolei momentum.

"I did a seoi nage (throw) and wazari (half a point)," Kang said. "Then I pinned her."

Taylor Castro (115) defeated Amanda Ruches, Sherese Ader (122) defeated Ilisha Badua, and Trudi Eltagonde (139) defeated Sydney Cofran — also by ippon — for the Chargers.

"Last year it was a disappointment when Kapolei won (OIA)," Eltagonde said. "Coach Rob (Puahala) wasn’t there when we challenged them in preseason, and he always gives a big motivational speech."

"His speeches are the best," Castro said.

Senior Ariana Fernandes was another Charger champion, winning her 154-pound match by ippon.

"We beat them in preseason and they beat us (in the regular season)," she said, still stoked about another memorable title night. "I don’t really know what it’s called. I just do whatever my coach tells me."

Kang and the Chargers got plenty of vocal support from the Pearl City boys, who lined the upper row of bleachers and waved ti leaves all match long.

"The girls had the fire. We couldn’t have done it without the fans and the coaches. I know 20 of them came out tonight," said Puahala, now in his ninth season as head coach. "My senior class is probably the most decorated I’ve had."

Kang’s level of confidence belies her youth.

"I was really surprised. I’m proud of this team. Our team is close. We do it for the team and our coaches," she said. "That’s what this team is about."

Puahala’s team won the state title last year.

"I expected it to be a lot closer, but I have confidence in my girls," he said. "Kapolei makes us better."

Pearl City’s girls recently won the Mililani Invitational title.

The boys final was much closer, though Moanalua pulled away for a 57-35 win over Pearl City.

"Brant Tsuda (132), Sang Yon Kim (161) and Chaeden Grace-Reyes (198) were our key matches that helped us out a lot. Those are our ippon guys," Moanalua coach Brandon Maki said. "They’re used to winning, so we try not to get too high or too low in winning or losing. The OIA title is a big accomplishment, but we have our eyes on the state title."

Tsuda and Kim are seniors, both fourth-year lettermen for Na Menehune.

"This year we tried to stay humble and practice hard. We kind of knew we had a chance to take it again," Tsuda said. "It’s not as exciting as my first time (in 2010)."

"For me it’s pretty exciting because I didn’t get to play my freshman and sophomore year for dual meets," Kim said. "We’ve just got to train hard and don’t get cocky. Stay humble. Good things happen when you’re working hard."

It’s the 12th OIA title for Na Menehune, including five under Maki. The 12 crowns ties Moanalua with Pearl City.