PUKALANI- The Kamehameha Maui varsity girls soccer team won, 1-0, in chilly, gusty weather on their home field against King Kekaulike High School, Friday, Dec. 19.
The lady Warriors, under the direction of head coach Cesar Robledo, executed strategic offensive attacks and controlled ball handling.
“We’re working on our conditioning and our skills, as well as learning how to work together as team,” junior Taylor Phillips said.
Sophomore Lily Higashino scored the first and only goal of the game with about 13 minutes left in the first half.
Sophomore Marley Duncan and senior Kalena Kaeo kicked the ball close to the goal on several occasions, but either missed by a a few inches or were stopped by King Kekaulike goalkeeper Brianna Perry.
Previous to Higashino’s goal, the Warriors had gotten the ball past the goal line once before, but the score was called back on a foul.
“We missed a lot of shots,” said Head Coach Robledo, “but our girls did well. They played tough until the end and never let up.”
The ball stayed near the King Kekaulike goal area for most of the game. The Warriors were clearly dominant in their teamwork and ball handling, despite the inclement weather.
To say that the conditions were freezing would not be much of an exaggeration to describe the usually mild upcountry weather turned wintry.
The stands were sparsely populated by only the most devoted fans, including family, staff, alumni, and members of the boys soccer team. Fans were bundled in blankets and parkas as they braved temperatures that dipped below 60 degreees in steady winds of up to 25 mph.
The high winds also gave an advantage to each team when they played on the Kihei side of the field as the wind pushed balls in that direction. At the same time, a disadvantage went to teams going in the direction of Ha’iku, as thrown and kicked soccer balls seemed to stop dead in midair and drop to the field.
With this win, the girl Warriors move to 3 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw in regular MIL play. They play the Lunas next at home on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., right after the boys soccer game at 5:00 p.m. They hope for a better turnout.
“I hope that as many people as possible come out to support the team. All the players work hard, and so do the coaches, and we just want a successful and fun season,” Phillips said.
The Warriors were down one starting player as senior starter Makana Pundyke was meeting with college representatives on the mainland, but she will be back for Tuesday’s game.
