By MATT GERHART By MATT GERHART ADVERTISING Tribune-Herald sports writer KEAAU — Kiana Krzyska and Sydney Plunkett will do just about anything to ensure that the Kamehameha water polo team is prepared once the state tournament rolls around in May.
By MATT GERHART
Tribune-Herald sports writer
KEAAU — Kiana Krzyska and Sydney Plunkett will do just about anything to ensure that the Kamehameha water polo team is prepared once the state tournament rolls around in May.
Having to come off the bench Saturday was almost pushing it, however.
With their two leading scorers watching poolside early on Saturday, the Warriors got a quick lift from their second unit and coasted past Kealakehe 16-3 in a Big Island Interscholastic Federation match at Naeole Pool.
Once Kamehameha’s first team reported into the match, Acacia Trusdell had already scored twice to get the Warriors off and running to a 5-0 lead.
When Plunkett and Krzyska were in the water, they stood out — but the match took on a different feel as a substitute.
“It was really weird,” said Krzyska, who was efficient in netting a hat trick. “All this anticipation, I was getting really antsy. I was like, ‘Oh my God, I don’t think I’ve ever not started a game before.”
Plunkett led the way with four goals in limited playing time as Kamehameha improved to 3-0 in its bid for a third consecutive undefeated BIIF season. The junior established a physical presence in front of the net at her 2-meter position, though she was more concerned about a few chances that she failed to convert on wide-open looks.
“It was awful, maybe my worst game ever. I don’t know what my problem was,” Plunkett said. “I think I had a hard time getting in the flow because I didn’t start. And once I got in I tried to hurry everything. Oh well. It’s all about getting better for states.”
With that goal in mind, coach Dan Lyons drew up a more advanced, ball-control approach offensively for his squad this season. For him, the reserve unit played so well that he didn’t notice a difference between the first and second teams.
Trusdell finished her hat trick in the second quarter as the Warriors led 10-1 at the half. Michelle Fratinardo and Paula Imoto each scored twice. Halia Nahalea and Alexia Osburn also scored for Kamehameha.
Lindsey Caldwell scored twice for the Waveriders (1-3) and Anna Thomas added a goal, but Kealakehe often had trouble getting shots off against Kamehameha’s defense no matter which unit they were facing. Kelly Fitzgerald played well for the Warriors in goal.
“To me, right there was the best game we ever played,” Lyons said. “As far as awareness of shot clock, awareness of where people are in the water and passing the ball. It was nice to see how our second team did.
“We’re trying some things with that idea that hopefully we will qualify for states and be prepared.”
Kamehameha has been untested in outscoring its last 13 BIIF foes 233-99 dating back to the beginning of last season. States is where it’s gotten a little more tricky. The Warriors finished a program-best fourth as Hawaii High School Athletic Association tournament hosts last season, falling to four-time champion Punahou in the semifinals.
In her senior season, Krzyska, the BIIF’s leading returning scorer from her attacker position, would like to advance at least one step further.
“(States) is our main focus,” she said. “We want to get into that final game.
“It feels good to know that I’m important and needed. Senior leadership is about getting every one to improve.”
Plunkett is doing her part by trying to replace two-time BIIF Player of the Year Ryenn Lyons both on the score sheet and as a leader. She says the job is more stressful, but she enjoys encouraging teammates, often giving them a running countdown until state tournament time: May 2-5 on Oahu.
“We have to up the intensity,” she said. “It all starts with our practices. They’re tough. When it comes time to playing games, it’s definitely easier.”
Hilo 13, Kealakehe 6: Shea Pitoy scored four goals and Kayla Ongais had a hat trick for the Vikings (2-2).
Sharae Ichinose and Ginger Carlson each added two goals, while Rei Izawa and Nicole Grandi had a goal apiece.
Caldwell scored four times and Thomas and Chenoa Jesser added goals for the Waveriders.
Ka’u (0-4) had to forfeit its matches with Hilo and Waiakea (2-1).
Hilo 13, Kealakehe 6:Shea Pitoy scored four goals and Kayla Ongais had a hat trick for the Vikings (2-2).
Sharae Ichinose and Ginger Carlson each added two goals, while Rei Izawa and Nicole Grandi had a goal apiece.
Caldwell scored four times and Thomas and Chenoa Jesser added goals for the Waveriders.
Ka’u (0-4) had to forfeit its matches with Hilo and Waiakea (2-1).
