Allie Shiraki fed Moana Odell for a goal in the 22nd minute, but other than that Honokaa coach Gerald Shiraki said the Dragons battled nerves for much of the first half during their Big Island Interscholastic Federation soccer opener.
Allie Shiraki switched from forward to midfield in the second half, and suddenly Honokaa started to settle down.
Shiraki finished with a goal and four assists Wednesday as the Dragons pulled away from visiting Makua Lani to win 6-0.
“We started to find a rhythm and get good touches on the ball,” Gerald Shiraki said after his team scored five times in the final 40 minutes. “Our team is pretty inexperienced, but they’ve bonded well. Overall, I’m pretty happy how they played.”
Odell and Nina Cardoza each scored two goals, and Cydne Correia found the back of the net once. Goalkeepers Hailey Paglinawan and Ka’uilani Loo both had a hand in shutting out the Lions.
HPA 9, Kohala 0
Nanea Tavares netted a hat trick and Ka Makani got a goal apiece from Brittani Boora, Gabbie Ewing, Bri Vallente, Emma Taylor, EllaKotner and Morgan Monahan to win in Kapaau. Monahan and Taimane Kamaka shared the shutout in goal.
Boys
HPA 3, Kohala 1
Brendan Moynahan’s goal broke a 1-1 tie in the second half to lift Ka Makani on the road.
Justin Perry converted on a penalty kick and Teak Owen also scored for HPA.
Felipe Ruvalcaba accounted for the Cowboys’ goal.
Ka Makani coach Rich Braithwaite said his team was missing many of its starters, but he came away impressed with Kohala’s effort.
“Both teams played hard, but Kohala played very well,” he said. “They we’re organized and countered well.
“It was one of those games where we had our chances but couldn’t find the back of the net.”
Konawaena 11, Parker 2
The Wildcats kicked off the season in convincing fashion, getting contributions from nine different players on the scoresheet and invoking the nine-goal mercy rule in the 65th minute against the Bulls.
Strong efforts from senior captains Coran Yamamoto and Angel Valdovinos set the pace for Konawaena.
Sailus Gamsey tallied two goals for the Wildcats. Yamamoto, Sergio Garcia and Gerardo Meneses also found the back of the net in the win.