Taking a peek around the pitch in Kealakekua one thing is evident — there are not too many familiar faces. ADVERTISING Taking a peek around the pitch in Kealakekua one thing is evident — there are not too many familiar
Taking a peek around the pitch in Kealakekua one thing is evident — there are not too many familiar faces.
Konawaena — the defending Division I BIIF champs — will have its hands full this season, trying to fill the void left by 12 departed seniors.
“We are rebuilding. No doubt,” Konawaena head coach Guy Miranda said. “This year there will be a lot of young girls playing, but they are pretty confident.”
Among the players the Wildcats will be looking to replace are six first-team All-BIIF selections and a handful of honorable mentions. What Konawaena does return is possibly the best goaltender in the state in Taiana Tolleson.
Tolleson — who has verbally committed to Vanderbilt — made a big splash last season, helping lead the Wildcats to a semifinal berth and landing just about every honor available — from All-BIIF to All-State.
“It’s nice having her back there,” Miranda said.
Another returning player who will be responsible for helping turn opponents away is defender Alissa Nahale-Blanco.
“We are going to rely on those two a lot,” Miranda said. “They are both captains, and will have to help bring the younger girls up to speed.”
The Wildcats have a great foundation to rebuild on. Miranda — the reigning BIIF Coach of the Year — has guided the Wildcats to three straight titles and broke an unfortunate streak for the Big Island at states last season, knocking off Kaiser in the quarterfinals. No BIIF Division I girls team had won its opener at states since the tournament went to eight teams in 2007.
But even Miranda knows this year will be a bit different, with many of the pillars of those championship squads now gone. The preseason has already proved to be a learning experience, with the Wildcats going 0-2-1 in an Oahu tournament.
“It was pretty wet and rainy over there,” Miranda said. “But we were just not very good.”
Konawaena has another chance to get on track before the BIIF season begins, hosting the Wahine Wildcat Preseason tournament, which runs today through Sunday at Julian Yates Field.
BIIF opponents Makua Lani and Honokaa are set to play, and Castle from the OIA and MIL opponent Baldwin round out the competitive field.
“Baldwin should be tough,” Miranda said. “They have been pretty young last few years, but I think they are putting it all together and should be solid.”
Also on the docket is the always entertaining Guava Bowl between Kaiser and Konawaena. Miranda and Kaiser head coach Adolph Samuels are old high school buddies, and created the friendly preseason rivalry contest.
Last year, the Guava Bowl trophy’s two-year stay on the Big Island ended, as Kaiser edged Konawaena on penalty kicks. However, the Wildcats got revenge by knocking off Kaiser 2-0 in the state tournament.
“We will have fun this weekend,” Miranda said.
