After eight consecutive conference Division II titles and four state championships, the numbers dictated that Hawaii Prep’s girls soccer team get promoted to the BIIF’s power-laden Red Division for the regular season.
Not that there was ever any doubt, but it’s clear they belong in the top tier. In fact, Ka Makani already look in line for another promotion.
HPA finished off an early season power trip with relative ease Friday, shutting out Waiakea 2-0 at Ken Yamase Memorial Stadium. Ka Makani (3-0) opened the season by beating defending D-I champion BIIF Hilo (Red) and they took the field against the D-I runner-up Warriors (2-2 Red) precisely 24 hours after beating D-II runner-up Kamehameha in Waimea.
“I’m glad we got through today,” coach Stephen Perry said. “The back-to-back, I knew was going to be tough. We got tired, and they had a lot more energy at the end, but I thought we stayed in good shape for the most part.”
One key to HPA’ success so far – it’s outscored its competition by a combined 9-2 after claiming Ka Makani Soccer Classic in the preseason – is that everything they do is seemingly with a purpose.
Take Ka Makani’s first half goal, for example.
Freshman Bella Police took a ball down into the corner, cut back in, Perry said, and left a drop ball for senior Alexa Richardson, who hit a touch shot into the far right side of the goal.
“It’s something we work on in practice, so it’s nice to see,” Perry said. “Bella got it under control, and instead of hitting a wasted shot to the keeper, she brought it back and Alexa was in a good spot.”
About eight minutes into the second half, junior Emi Higgins scored her fourth goal of the season. Sophomore Jenna Perry was credited with an assist.
“Nice to get some separation there,” Stephen Perry said.
Even with the fine start, Ka Makani continue to work on aspects that could help them gain separation from the rest of the BIIF, especially with some lesser tests on tap that might not provide as much motivation as the teams HPA has faced.
“I like how they keep working and communicating at halftime,” Perry said. “We just need to keep working in practice. A good group of 19, and I think we push each other up in practice. We know we have to do that.”
Protecting a 2-0 lead, goalkeeper Maia Mills kept a shutout intact by charging out to deflect a shot by the Warriors’ Evyn Prine midway through the second half. The teams meet again Jan. 13 in Waimea before going their separate ways in the postseason.
At noon Saturday, HPA’s boys will be at Waiakea for a Division I tussle.
