This just in: Punahou water polo is still really good.
The Buffanblu claimed their 10th straight ILH girls title in the sport by beating Kamehameha 8-3 in the final of the league tournament at Punahou’s pool on Thursday, setting up a run at a 10th straight state championship next week.
“I’m really not satisfied, but happy with the outcome and all the momentum we have going into states,” said senior Malia Gacutan, who scored a game-high three goals. “I feel like it all came together right now.”
Top-seeded Punahou faces the winner of Kalani and Lahainaluna in the quarterfinals at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex on Thursday, while Kamehameha hosts Kapolei in the first round Monday as the ILH’s other representative.
Kamehameha, which fell to Punahou for the fourth time this season, needed to spring an upset to force a winner-take-all playoff for the overall ILH title.
After a first half that went 4-1 to Punahou, it was apparent that was a tall order.
| STATE WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS
MONDAY
Kealakehe vs. Kaiser at Kona Aquatic Center, 3:30 p.m.
Lahainaluna vs. Kalani at Kihei Aquatic Center, 4 p.m.
Roosevelt vs. Waialua at Kamehameha, 5 p.m.
Kapolei at Kamehameha, 6:15 p.m.
THURSDAY
At Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Center
Kamehameha or Kapolei vs. Baldwin, 2:45 p.m.
Kealakehe or Kaiser vs. Kahuku, 4 p.m.
Lahainaluna or Kalani vs. Punahou, 5:15 p.m.
Roosevelt or Waialua vs. Hawaii Prep, 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY
Semifinals, 5:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Center
SATURDAY
Championship, 6 p.m. at Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Center
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“Just their speed and depth, that’s kind of the broken record — their speed and depth,” Kamehameha coach Randy Bart said of the challenge Punahou presents. “They can substitute for situations, they can go fast. Depending what the score is, the game time, they can get two or three in and not drop any talent. And I think they’re the only team that can kind of do that stuff.”
The last time Punahou and coach Ken Smith did not win the ILH was 2007. That was also the last year they failed to win the state championship.
“I feel real good,” Smith said. “We still have some things we’re gonna work on, but the (seven) seniors have been great leaders. And I think overall this has been a great practice team, so our practices have been really good because of their attitudes and their effort.”
So far, the Buffanblu haven’t missed a beat since losing standout goalkeeper Emalia Eichelberger to Stanford. Senior Haley Crabtree has performed admirably in goal since moving up from the varsity II team this year. In the third quarter Thursday, Crabtree stuffed a point-blank shot by Emma Kim, leading to a straightaway shot by Gacutan for a decisive 7-1 lead.
Robbie Bickerton and Kaya Lee scored two goals apiece for Punahou, while Dani Kauahi added a score.
Laakea Dedrick led Kamehameha with two goals and Payton Bosque (one) completed the Warriors’ scoring.
Le Jardin beat ‘Iolani 5-4 for third place in the tournament.
