Bukoski, HPU beat Dixie State

Lanaly Cabalo

KANE‘OHE — Kapa‘a High School graduate and current Hawai‘i Pacific University freshman Chance Bukoski took six shots yesterday in the Sea Warriors’ 3-1 victory over Dixie State yesterday at the Atherton Field.

With the win, HPU (10-5-2, 8-2-1) remains in contention for the PacWest title. In earlier action Notre Dame de Namur topped Chaminade to keep their slim lead over HPU.

Bukoski, the team’s leading scorer with at least seven goals in 16 games, had back-to-back shots blocked by Dixie State early on in the first half.

Tied at 1-1, Dixie State’s goalkeeper Ben Brooksby went on to block Bukoski two more times before the end of the half.

In an attempt to gain the lead, Bukoski shot again in the 49th minute, but was blocked again by Brooksby. HPU teammate Andre Whitt, with an assist from Terry James, scored midway through the second to put the Sea Warriors up 2-1.

Bukoski’s shot in the 72nd minute missed wide right and shortly after, Bukoski was briefly substituted for Isaiah Guth. He returned minutes before James scored his second and final goal of the game on a through ball from Whitt.

HPU outshot Dixie State 17-7.

With NDNU’s win over Chaminade, HPU heads into the final day of competition, needing a win over Grand Canyon tomorrow and a loss by NDNU from BYU-Hawai‘i. Should the scenario play out in HPU’s favor, the Sea Warriors will win the Pacific West Conference title.

Bukoski is a two-time Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association All-State all-star pick and two-time Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation Player of the Year.