KAILUA-KONA — The last time Kealakehe met up with Hawaii Preparatory Academy, the Waveriders felt like they let one slip away.
This time around, Kealakehe (6-3) left no doubt, reeling off an impressive 10-1 victory over the defending BIIF champs on Wednesday at Kona Community Aquatic Center.
“They really wanted this one and they knew they could do it,” Kealakehe head coach Chris Chang said. “This is exactly what they needed right now.”
On senior day, it was appropriate that all four of the Waveriders’ seniors — Nahoni Chaul, Faith Hernandez, Maiana Villegas and Hannah Tomlinson — saw time in the pool and played important roles in the victory.
The dynamic offensive duo of Villegas and Tomlinson came through as the primary scoring options, combining for seven goals.
Villegas netted four, while Tomlinson tallied a hat trick.
“This was the most flawless game we have played this season — the one we have been working for,” Tomlinson said. “Everything was clicking out there. It was a big boost for our confidence.”
The first game between the teams on March 28 ended in a 9-8 overtime victory in favor of Hawaii Prep.
Kealakehe had a goal called back in the OT period, and the Waveriders made no secret that the loss had served as motivation to come out strong in the rematch.
“We had been talking about this game since then,” Chaul said. “This was our goal to come out and play like this. So far, this was the highlight of our season.”
“It feels like redemption,” Hernandez added. “We love competing against them.”
Kealakehe ran out to a 5-0 lead by halftime and held Ka Makani to a season-low goal total with stifling defense and a top-notch performance by goalkeeper Kona Resetnikov.
“Absolutely one of the best games I’ve seen her play,” Chang said. “She’s very self-motivated. After last weekend, she was determined to come out and play better. She works hard.”
Teah Van Bergen had the lone goal for Hawaii Prep (7-2), coming on a long shot in the third quarter. Goalkeeper Ala Taylor did everything she could to keep Ka Makani competitive for most of the contest, turning away multiple point-blank Waverider opportunities and leaping out of the water for big stops.
Kealakehe has proven to be a hard team to beat on its home turf. Last year in the league semifinals, the Waveriders pulled off one of the biggest upsets in BIIF water polo history, knocking off seven-time champion Kamehameha-Hawaii 11-9 and returning to the HHSAA tournament for the first time since 2014. The Waveriders went on to win a first-round home game in the state tournament against Kaiser — the first in program history.
A loud Waverider contingent turned out for the weekday game, not letting a little wet weather drown out the cheers.
“The support of the crowd helps so much,” Villegas said. “It felt the same as that Kamehameha game last year in BIIFs. We can feel it and it gets us going.”
The next time the teams meet up for the rubber match of the rivalry, the stakes will be much higher.
Regardless of what happens the rest of the season, the squads are locked into the No. 2 vs. No. 3 seed matchup in the BIIF playoffs later this month, which will be held at Kamehameha’s Naeole Pool. On the line will be the right to play for a title and a berth in the state tourney.
“We know the hype is going to be even higher in the playoffs,” Hernandez said.
With the Hawaii Prep loss, Kamehameha will be the top seed and has earned an automatic berth to the state tournament as the BIIF’s top regular season squad. The Warriors opponent — the No. 4 seed — will be decided in a heated final week of the season between Waiakea, Hilo and Konawaena.
Konawaena 22, Keaau 5
Four Wildcats (2-5) tallied at least a hat trick as they proved too much for the winless Cougars (0-9).
Jalen Gambee added to her stockpile of goals with six, while Payton Walters (5), Jadisha Waahila (4) and Tori Oshiro (3) also had success finding the back of the net.
Hawaii Prep 8, Konawaena 3
Ka Makani did add a tally to the win column with a solid victory earlier in the day against the Wildcats.
After leading the first quarter 4-2, Hawaii Prep put the clamp down on the Konawaena offense, outscoring the Wildcats 4-1 the rest of the way.
Sarah Houser netted a trio of goals in the first quarter, while Chloe Hughes also had a pair for Ka Makani.
Walters scored two goals for the Wildcats.