Kamehameha-Hawaii Warriors Dominate Hawaii Preparatory in Season Opener

In a commanding display of skill, the Kamehameha-Hawaii girls soccer team triumphed over Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) with a decisive score of 3-1 in their first match of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) season on Saturday, September 23, 2023. The game took place in Waimea, where the defending champions showcased their strength early in the contest.

The Warriors set the tone with a quick goal from sophomore midfielder Emma Cootey, who found the net just three minutes into the match. This was followed by two more goals from sophomore forward Lily Kay-Wong, who scored in the 10th and 15th minutes, putting Kamehameha-Hawaii ahead by three goals. HPA’s sophomore midfielder Zaylee Moses managed to net a goal in the 26th minute, providing a glimmer of hope for her team. However, the second half turned into a defensive struggle, with neither team able to score further.

Kamehameha-Hawaii’s performance is a continuation of last season’s success, where they finished with a remarkable record of 13-1-1, including 10 shutouts. The team returns with a strong roster, featuring eight seniors, including Lahela Cootey, Alyssa Hudman, and Callie Chong. Head coach Steve Cootey continues to lead the squad, which has high expectations for the current season.

HPA, which ended last season with a 9-6-0 record and a second-place finish in the BIIF, is looking to bounce back under the guidance of coach Steve Perry. The team includes key players such as senior Cameron Goodwin and sophomore Naue Wengler-Ioana.

Upcoming Matches and Rivalries

Kamehameha-Hawaii will return to the field on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, to face Waiakea, last year’s BIIF Division I champions. In their previous encounter during the 2024-25 season, Waiakea emerged victorious with a 2-0 win. HPA will also meet Waiakea on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in Hilo.

The boys’ teams from both Kamehameha-Hawaii and HPA faced off later that same day, with Kamehameha-Hawaii securing a narrow 1-0 victory. Senior Micah Chung scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute, marking a strong start to the boys’ season as well.

Kamehameha-Hawaii’s boys team also had a stellar previous season, finishing with a perfect record of 14-0 and claiming both the BIIF Division II title and the state championship. This year, they will look to continue their winning streak, led by Chung and his fellow seniors, including Shayde Dela Cruz and Owen Pires.

As both teams gear up for the remainder of the season, the excitement among fans remains palpable, with hopes high for continued success on the pitch.

The match between Kea‘au’s teams and Ka‘u was postponed due to inclement weather, illustrating the unpredictable nature of sports seasons.