PUHI — Kapaa High School’s varsity girls soccer team defeated Island School, 8-nil, Wednesday afternoon at the Voyagers’ home field in Puhi.
The Warriors remain unbeaten through four matches in the Kauai Interscholastic Federation season.
“I think just learning how each other plays is a big one,” said Kapaa head coach Mytra McKeague of the team’s early win streak. “We have a long way to go. So hopefully, we get better every game.”
Kapaa (4-0 KIF) opened with three goals scored in the first half, then netted five more in the second.
Warriors senior outside halfback Kyla Bandsma scored a hat trick for Kapaa. She scored her first goal at the 17th minute, shooting from outside the penalty area.
In the closing minutes, she scored twice to record her hat trick. Bandsma’s third goal, she struck from well outside the 18-yard box.
Warriors senior forwards Brianna Binder and April Barnes each bagged a brace in Wednesday’s match. Barnes scored both her goals in the second half.
“We always preach, ‘Play for each other,’” McKeague said. “If the shot’s not there, then pass it off to the next person.”
Island School (1-3 KIF) had few chances.
In the closing minutes of the first half, Voyager Olivia Gegen took a shot from inside the penalty area, but the ball bounced around in front of the Warriors goalkeeper before being cleared out.
“Our opportunities were limited out there in front of our offensive half,” said Island head coach Colby Ayonon. “We just got to capitalize on our few opportunities. The first one’s always the hardest, and others will come after that. We just got to be a little more aggressive, a little more hungry, up there, and finish a few and get used to scoring.”
Voyagers goalkeeper Emma Kelekoma made a number of saves as well.
“Our defense play is a little (unorthodox), a little bit different, but we’re working on our system with the personnel we got. So hopefully, we gel a little bit more,” Ayonon said.
Kapaa next plays Waimea at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Hanapepe Stadium. Island School will host Kauai High at 4 p.m. Friday.
Scoring summary
Kapaa: Kyla Bandsma 3 (17’, 76’, 79’), April Barnes 2 (44’, 65’), Brianna Binder 2 (16’, 53’), Kaylee Overmyer (34’)
Discipline
Kapaa: Kaleigh Ramil, yellow (unsporting behavior)
