PUHI — Kauai High School’s varsity girls soccer team defeated Island School in Puhi on Friday afternoon.
Kauai High, playing on one day rest, defeated Island, 3-nil.
“The girls played well in possession, moving the ball around and making connecting passes,” said Kauai head coach Auika Metcalfe.
The Red Raiders coach added on playing on short rest: “It was a bit of a challenge. Just a day recovery, so we took it light yesterday. So, we were able to prep for today.”
Kauai (4-1 KIF) took advantage of a couple of open net opportunities and put shots to the back of the net. Eryka Napoleon shot at the 33rd minute, and Kehela Ventura scored at the 46th minute.
Red Raider Shayna Shigematsu scored first at the 13th minute on a header inside the penalty area from a corner kick. Napoleon served the cross.
“Our girls are looking for those small plays that we can capitalize on, and we were able to finish strong,” Metcalfe said.
Island School (1-4 KIF), also playing on one day rest, had few chances offensively.
The Voyagers’ best opportunity came late in the second half when Lola Temme took a shot from inside the penalty area, but her shot went straight to the Red Raiders goalkeeper.
Island School head coach Colby Ayonon wasn’t available for comment following the match.
“They played really well. We worked on a lot of stuff during practice, and it showed,” said Voyagers assistant coach Beau Acoba. “A lot of technical stuff. The fitness, it’s 11-on-11, but the technical stuff really showed. We still got a lot to improve on.”
Voyagers goalie Emma Kelekoma made a number of saves. But also, playing aggressively outside the penalty area twice got her out of position and allowed the two open net goals.
“Emma’s a fighter, man. She’s sick. She doesn’t sound like herself, but she was a hero today,” Acoba said. “Everybody’s a hero. Defense played lights out. Katie Cook swept everything. Mackenzie Hubbard just cleaned everything up. Defense, everyone’s gelling. … Emma made some really choice saves. A few mental errors, but that just comes with the aggressive nature.”
Both teams next play on Jan. 6. Kauai High will play Kapaa High School (4-0 KIF) at 3:30 p.m. at Vidinha Stadium. Island will play Waimea High at 12 p.m. at Hanapepe Stadium.
Scoring summary
Kauai: Shayna Shigematsu (13’), Eryka Napoleon (33’), Kehela Ventura (46’)
