Kahuku ends run of all-ILH title games

Kahuku made some history against ‘Iolani in the semifinals of the Stanford Carr Development/HHSAA Girls Water Polo Championships on Thursday night.

In today’s 6:30 p.m. final against five-time defending champion Punahou, the Red Raiders will go for a little bit more.

Kahuku stormed to an early lead at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex and held on tight against the Raiders to win 8-6, earning the Oahu Interscholastic Association’s first berth in the championship game since 2007. Nohea Kahaulelio had a game-high four goals for Kahuku.

The Interscholastic League of Honolulu has won all nine previous state water polo championships, with Punahou claiming seven of them. It’s been an all-ILH final every year from ’08 — when the ILH was granted two state representatives — until now.

"This is history right now. This is the first time we ever beat an ILH team to make it to the final game," Kahuku coach Makana Leiataua said. "We’re happy with this, but we know we have a big game against Punahou. But these girls, this is what they really, really wanted. One step at a time, one game at a time."

Punahou beat Kapolei 12-4 in the other semifinal.

This matchup of the undefeated OIA champion (17-0) and ILH runner-up (5-5) was water-tight the entire way.

Kahuku zoomed to a 4-0 lead after a quarter, riding the energy of its crowd of about 200, including its band.

The Red Raiders saw their lead dwindle to a goal on three occasions in the second half.

"That’s the first time we were ever in that predicament. The whole season it hasn’t ever been that close for us," Leiataua said. "And we’ve never played with such a smart team. They’re very smart and experienced. And they have a very experienced coach (Aaron Chaney), years and years. I was playing when he was coaching. So I respect him a lot, and I knew they were going to come back and do something crazy. They’re always going to push. I’m just glad the girls played smart and played patient."

The Red Raiders came up with a big stop whenever they needed one behind senior goalkeeper Kayla Chang, who had 14 big saves.

"I can’t even find the words to express how excited our whole team is," Chang said. "I feel so ecstatic. It was a team thing (getting stops). I just had to focus. … Communication, that was the big thing."

Junior Paulina Germain put home a big score for a 7-5 lead with 4:10 left, spinning over her left shoulder then her right to free herself up for her second goal.

‘Iolani’s Kiana Harpstrite scored from the center — one of her four goals — to make it a one-score game again with 1:10 left, and the Raiders got Kahuku to turn it over coming out of a timeout.

Chaney wished his team could replay the last 38 seconds going for the tie. The Raiders shot quickly coming out of a timeout and missed wide, all but sealing it for Kahuku, which tacked on an insurance score on ‘Iolani’s empty net with four seconds to go.

"Our girls fought back hard," said Chaney, who nodded his respect at Kahuku for the hard-earned win. "You know, good for them. The OIA hasn’t had a team get to the state championship in a long time. … I’m happy for Kahuku. Makana works hard. Good for them."

Goal scorers–Kah: Noehea Kahaulelio 4, Paulina Germain 2, Kaena Gilman, Lilli Lindguard. Iol: Kiana Harpstrite 4, Taryn Aranador, Elizabeth Barr.

Punahou 12, Kapolei 4

After the Hurricanes drew within three goals near the start of the third quarter, the Buffanblu turned up the heat. The five-time defending champions scored five unanswered goals to rout the OIA runners-up.

"I thought (our players) did pretty well," Punahou coach Ken Smith said. "We started off with a lot of intensity, and then it seemed like we got a little complacent.

"Overall, our objective was to get everybody to play in yesterday’s game and today. I just wish we had kept up our intensity the whole time. We did what we had to do. I’m happy with it."

Lauren Boyer led the Buffanblu with three goals, while Caitlin Kaneshiro and Roxy Kiessling had two apiece.

Goal scorers–Pun: Lauren Boyer 3, Roxy Kiessling 2, Caitlin Kaneshiro 2, Kelly Fricke, Natassia Dunn, Emily Bustard, Amy Bolan, Turner Wong. Kapo: Ashley Fuerst 2, Danielle Johnasen, Leilani Herrera.

Consolation

Baldwin 10, Hawaii Prep 5

Goal scorers–HPA: Bhillie Luciani 2, Hannah Twig-Smith 2, Jellian Cuatero. Bald–Alea Weber 5, Alyssa Waki 2, Jazmine Harmon 2, Yvonne Ngalu.

Kamehameha-Hawaii 14, Roosevelt 10

Goals scorers–Roos: Hannah Yasuda 5, Rachel Kamai 3, Kauionalani Keola 2. KSH: Sydney Plunkett 7, Acacia Trusdell 5, Chloe Martins-Keliihoomalu, Halia Nahale.

Mililani 11, Lahainaluna 10

Goal scorers–Lah: Lalelei Mataafa 7, Bridget Joy 3. Mil: Chanel Long 4, Talisa Caldwell 3, Shelby Park 3, Kaylie Miyashita