Former Kaua‘i High School goalkeeper Tamalyn Hasegawa battled both a flu virus and a tough opponent last summer in Hilo. “The goalie proved to be a real trooper last summer by playing the entire championship game for Kaua‘i Soccer Club
Former Kaua‘i High School goalkeeper Tamalyn Hasegawa battled both a flu virus and a tough opponent last summer in Hilo.
“The goalie proved to be a real trooper last summer by playing the entire championship game for Kaua‘i Soccer Club while battling the flu,” said Gwen Tamura, who was coaching Hasegawa for that game in Hilo.
On Saturday, Hasegawa repeated this feat by guarding the goalmouth for Southern Oregon Community College where the freshman is the starting goalkeeper.
Hasegawa and the SOCC team blanked Clark in Washington 5-0 to edge past Clackamas in the standings. With the win, SOCC emerges as the South Regional Champions in the Northwest Association of Community Colleges.
“The training in college is very intense and goalkeepers train just as hard as other field players,” Hasegawa said in a phone conversation to Tamura following the critical game Saturday. “Our team is good because every player gets along on and off the field. Communication is the key.”
The SOCC victory puts the team back on the field against the winner of the Green River/Everett match which ended in a 2-2 tie Saturday. According to the NWAACC Web site, there was no indication of a tie-breaker for that contest.
Natasha Sawall, Chelsea Hager, Lisa Worden, Megan Franko and Jennifer Muchmore notched goals for SOCC with Casey Spence assisting Worden with her goal at the 62nd minute.
“Having gone through the grueling workouts, heavy conditioning, body aches, stiff and sore legs, it’s all worth it!” Hasegawa said.
Tamura said Hasegawa has already indicated her intent on playing for the KSC Under 19 traveling tream this summer — sick or not.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
