KAILUA-KONA — Mathematically, Kamehameha hasn’t locked up the top seed in the BIIF playoffs and automatic berth to states. However, the Warriors feel pretty good about their chances.
Kamehameha added two more wins to their unblemished 10-0 record on Saturday at Kona Community Aquatic Center, knocking off Kealakehe 14-6 in the matinee, and edging Konawaena 13-8 in the second half of the back-to-back.
Kamehameha senior standout Lahela Rosario led the way for the Warriors, tallying 10 goals in the afternoon. Seizen Alameda added six, while Aubrey Carter provided four to go with her stingy defense.
“I think we are connecting more as a team,” Rosario said. “We love to play this sport and think that shows in our play. Now that we are getting more in-sync as a team, we are able to create more and plan what we are doing ahead of time.”
The easiest way for Kamehameha to earn the top seed in the BIIF playoffs and the BIIF’s automatic berth to the HHSAA tournament as the top regular season team is simple — win their final two games against Hawaii Prep and Konawaena.
The defending BIIF champion Ka Makani — who the Warriors will see next weekend at KCAC — will be the harder out of the two. But even if Kamehameha does drop that game, they would have to lose by 16 goals to nullify the head-to-head goal differential advantage they built in a 19-4 win over Hawaii Prep on March 10.
“We feel fairly confident that we can pull it off,” Lyons said. “There are two things that make it important: the automatic berth to the state tournament, and we will play in the No. 1 vs. No. 4 seed matchup, rather than 2 vs. 3.”
Last season, as the No. 2 seed, Kamehameha ran into an upset-hungry Kealakehe squad in their semifinal game, falling 11-9 and watching a streak of seven straight titles end.
“You would rather not be in that game,” Lyons said. “Just look at what happened to us last year — it’s a little more even, the other team is fired up and anything can happen.”
Lyons was especially pleased with how his team responded to the tough matchup with Kealakehe (5-3). The Warriors raced out to a 9-2 lead, and were able to stymie any Waverider rallies.
“We were able to show a variety of looks and tried to force Kealakehe into perimeter passing. The girls were able to generate turnovers and turn it into offense,” Lyons said. “It was a good enough game where we felt in control, but the starters had to push and be in there. We have a little bit of cleaning up to do, but these girls work really hard”
This time of year, Kamehameha’s lengthy bench — which commands much more reserved seating than the rest of the teams in the league — begins to shorten quite a bit. The Warriors buckle down and start to focus on postseason play, building endurance and chemistry with its starters.
Rosario doesn’t mind spending some extra time in the pool. It is a routine she’s become used to over her time as a four-year starter.
“The pace of the games are a lot faster. We try to set the tone and not let other teams push us around. I feel like that’s a big thing for us and I can see us wanting it more,” Rosario said. “We just love each other and trust each other in the water to make safe passes and play great defense.”
And of course, the dangling carrot for the hard work is a trip to Oahu for states and returning the Warriors to the top of the BIIF.
”That really drives us,” Rosario said, “especially after last year.”
Vikings give Ka Makani a scare
With three minutes left and Hilo up by two goals on defending BIIF champion Hawaii Prep, the Viks looked poised to pull off the upset of the year thus far in the BIIF.
However, Ka Makani (6-1) had other plans.
Sarah Houser scored to make it 6-5 and Morgan Davis netted back-to-back goals — including the game-winner with 1:23 left — to give Ka Makani a thrilling 7-6 victory.
Houser finished the game with four goals, all coming in the second half for Hawaii Prep.
Jaelyn Estabilio had four goals for Hilo (2-7) in the upset bid.
On paper, the contest did not appear that it would play out as the game of the day. When the teams met on opening weekend, Ka Makani coasted to a 15-5 victory.
Hilo still has some work to do to hold off Konawaena (1-6) for the final playoff spot, but it leaves the final games of the season filled with implications.
Best of the rest
• Meiling Kam netted a hat trick for Kealakehe in the team’s loss to Kamehameha, while Kona Resetnikov provided a valiant effort in net against the Warriors powerful attack.
• Jalen Gambee continued to be an offensive force for the Wildcats. She provided four goals on Saturday.
