Punahou Blanks KS-Maui in State Quarterfinals, 3-0

By Rodney S. Yap

Interscholastic League of Honolulu runner-up Punahou defeated Maui Interscholastic League girls soccer champion Kamehameha Maui, 3-0, in quarterfinal action Thursday at the girls Hawaii High School State Soccer Athletic Association.

The 12-team Division I girls state soccer tournament continues through Saturday at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Park.

The loss means the Warriors will play Kahuku today in a loser-bracket game at 3 p.m.

Punahou got goals from Lauren Candelario in the 4th minute and Dempsey Banks in the 20th minute  to build a 2-0 lead at halftime. Jensen Toner assisted on both first-half goals. Kylie-Ann Yasutake added another goal for the Buffanblu in the 80th minute.

Today’s semifinals pits top-seeded Iolani against Kaiser at 5 p.m., followed by No. 2 Mililani against Punahou at 7 p.m. Both games will be shown live on OC16 TV.

In consolation action Thursday, King Kekaulike defeated Waianae 5-0. Kayela Santiago had a hat trick for Na Alii, scoring goals in the 22nd, 62nd, and 72nd minutes. Tiare Matsuura added a goal in the 24th minute and Mahina Ashdowne-Deponte scored int eh 69th minute.

King Kekaulike fell in the first round to Moanalua 4-1 on Wednesday. The Menehunes got a goal from Nikki Higa two minutes into the match and Storm Kenui added three goals (32nd, 39th, 78th). Santiago’s goal in the 64th minute prevented Na Alii from being shutout.

King Kekaulike has a bye today and will play for seventh place on Saturday at 1 p.m., losing to Kamehameha Hawaii 5-0. On Wednesday, Kauai defeated the Spartans 5-0.