Hilo Hilo girls soccer team had its first opponent pull out and its second postpone.
When the Vikings finally did take the pitch for the first time in nearly two years Tuesday in Kailua-Kona, they learned of a new reality in BIIF Division I: Kealakehe is no easy out this season.
Teysha-Ray Spinney-Kuahuia scored in the first half and the Waveriders converted on their only shot of the second, getting a goal from Natalie Garana for a 2-0 victory that matches their record.
Kealakehe hasn’t won a BIIF title since 2012 and 2013 marked its last trip to the HHSAA tournament, but the Waveriders have started strong out of the gates under first-year coach John Edwards. The Waveriders beat Konawaena 8-0 in their opener. Each team took seven shots Tuesday – according to statistics kept by Hilo – and Oriana Tremaine pocketed theshutout.
“The defense has been great, and they’ve put a lot of work in so far,” Edwards said.
Beyond Kealakehe’s apparent resurgence, he’s knows all to well about another new reality this season as the pandemic continues and BIIF postponements add up by the day.
“First of all, the two teams really appreciated just being able to play the game,” he said. “The way things are going, you can get a call two hours before the game” and have it canceled.
In the 30th minute, Spinney-Kuahuia netted her fourth goal of the season, and 8-yarder off an assist from Michelle Gonzalez.
Early in the second half, Briana-Jean Tanaka hit the post as the Vikings, who have made five consecutive trips to the state tournament, searched for the equalizer. Garana, a freshman, tacked on an insurance marker in the 61st minute, connecting off Ciara Blaber’s corner kick for her second of goal of the season.
“Hilo played a really physical game, and they played wide,” Edwards said. “We played a little more direct than I would have liked to.
“We still have a lot of things to work on.”
Friday
Makua Lani 9, Parker 0: Kaelele Fernandez scored four goals in Kailua-Kona as the Lions denied the Bulls on their opener.
Nuuhiwa Beatty scored twice for Makua Lani (2-0), and Justice Reid and Owen Sadhra-Corks tacked on goals along with Kawaihua Paikuli Campbell, who tallied his third of the season. Judson Veisauyadra collected his second shutout of the season.