WAIMEA — The hits were hard, the passes were on point, and some of the goals were highlight-reel worthy. But most importantly, a semblance of parity is starting to take shape for Big Island lacrosse.
Hawaii Preparatory Academy downed Konawaena 7-2 on Saturday in the final game of the season on the island for the two teams. However, the final score did not tell the tale of how far the two programs have come.
Konawaena — in just its second year playing the sport — has been able to push Hawaii Prep to step up their game. The contest was tied 2-2 at the break before Ka Makani pulled away in the second half.
The previous meeting between the two schools went to overtime, with Hawaii Prep pulling out a 6-5 sudden death win.
Hawaii Prep started with around a dozen players three years ago. Now the team has a fleet of reserves and coach Will Zucker is finally starting to see an impressive brand of play on the field.
“The improvements have been exponential this year. They are moving the ball crisp and quick,” Zucker said. “Konawaena is a great team too and are working hard. They are just going to keep getting better.”
The teams are still looking for a third playing partner on the island. Zucker said they have coaches and equipment ready for any school interested on jumping aboard.
Hawaii Prep senior Kenny Dupuis has been part of the program since it started three years ago. But he’s from Canada, so he knew about lacrosse — Canada’s national summer sport — long before he arrived in Waimea.
“Our motto has been to grow the game. I like to think we were kind of the pioneers here,” Dupuis said.
Dupuis has some more lacrosse ahead of him. He’s planning to play at the University of Victoria in Canada after he graduates from Hawaii Prep. His three years of high school experience will surely give him a head start when he gets on campus.
“It has been awesome to be able to play against other kids on the island,” he said.
The season is not yet over for the teams. The second annual Founders Cup is next week in Oahu, adding extra importance to Hawaii Prep’s win. Honoululu Sharks club lacrosse team from Oahu downed Punahou to take the inaugural Founders Cup title last year in Waimea.
“We needed to perform well in this game,” Zucker said. “I think we have a chance to play with those teams this year, unlike last year where we kind of got creamed. I think having that confidence going over there is going to be huge.”
