A strong start was more than enough to finish another victory for ‘Iolani.

The Raiders carried a seven-goal advantage into halftime and protected their lead effectively to beat Kamehameha-Hawaii 10-2 and advance to today’s 7:30 p.m. semifinal against second-seeded Kahuku in the Stanford Carr Development/HHSAA Girls Water Polo Championships.

‘Iolani made itself right at home in the University of Hawaii’s Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex from the opening whistle, scoring twice on counterattacks of Warriors turnovers in the first two minutes.

"I think the girls came out really strong and played real confident in the beginning," ‘Iolani coach Aaron Chaney said. "And played really good defense on them. We just countered, and the girls, our offense was a little slow at the end of the game, but our counter kept going. That was, I thought, the difference — our defense and our counter."

The second quarter became a Raiders long-range shooting exhibition. ‘Iolani worked the shot clock down and scored in succession on deep strikes by Kiana Harpstrite, Jacie Fukada and Allison Ifuku to take a commanding 8-1 lead into the break.

‘Iolani (5-4) had four players — Harpstrite, Ifuku, Mollie Taylor and Elizabeth Barr — score two goals to lead the way offensively.

‘Iolani’s lone state water polo title came in 2007. It last made the state semis in 2010; it has dueled Kamehameha for the ILH’s other state berth besides the perennial champion Punahou Buffanblu.

The Raiders edged Kamehameha 7-6 in an ILH playoff game to qualify for states, then beat Mililani 12-2 in the first round Tuesday. OIA champion Kahuku will provide a physical test unlike the others behind the prowess of twins Nohea and Kahea Sayles-Kahaulelio and talented Paulina Germain.

Kahuku beat ‘Iolani 6-5 in a preseason game.

"They are the best OIA team, but that was at the beginning of our season and we think that we’ve really built up our confidence this season," said ‘Iolani’s Barr, a junior. "We’re just going to come out as hard as we can."

KS-Hawaii (12-1), the BIIF champion, was denied its bid for its second semifinal appearance in three years. The Warriors took two previous trips to Oahu this season to prepare against some of the state’s top talent, but they were left wanting with their season on the line.

"I just think it’s mental. I think sometimes you want something so bad you kind of lose track of the fact you’ve got to do the details," Warriors coach Dan Lyons said. "You’ve got to do all of the little things. And you want it, but it doesn’t matter how bad you want it, you’ve gotta do it."

Nothing illustrated that better than a miscue at the end of the third quarter. With a power play opportunity, Kamehameha did not get a shot off, unaware that time was running down.

"That probably is a culmination of the whole thing right there in 20 seconds," said Lyons, who weighed calling a timeout but decided against it.

No. 1 Punahou 16, Hawaii Prep 2

Saki Migliorato paced the top-seeded Buffanblu with three goals en route to victory over Ka Makani.

Punahou faces Kapolei in today’s 6 p.m. semifinal.

No. 2 Kahuku 12, Roosevelt 5

Kahea Sayles-Kahaulelio and Paulina Germain each scored three goals as the Red Raiders defeated the Rough Riders.

"The first game’s always important, especially the first quarter," Kahuku coach Makana Leiataua said. The Red Raiders listened to their coach and led 4-1 after the first quarter.

With the win, Kahuku keeps alive a streak of a top-four finsh in all 10 state water polo tournaments

Kahuku advances to a 7:30 p.m. semifinal vs. ‘Iolani.

Kapolei 10, No. 4 Baldwin 5

Doran Bosque scored four goals as the Hurricanes upset the fourth-seeded Bears.

Kapolei outscored Baldwin 6-1 in the second half.

Consolation

Kaiser 8, Moanalua 1