WAIMEA — Hilo probably couldn’t have imagined a better start to the season, while Hawaii Preparatory Academy left the pitch after its debut with much to be desired.
The Division I Vikings (2-0) used two first half goals to down the two-time defending Division II HHSAA champion Ka Makani 2-1 on Saturday.
The Lady Viks have reeled off two impressive wins to start the season, having downed Kamehameha-Hawaii 1-0 in team’s opener earlier this week. The stellar start has earned the squad some major attention from the rest of the BIIF.
“We are feeling very good,” Hilo interim head coach Skee Saplan said. “HPA and Kamehameha are two great teams. We really didn’t expect a start like this. There has been a lot of heart, and a lot of determination.”
Determination and passion were two things Hawaii Prep (0-1) head coach Steve Perry felt his team was lacking for the majority of the game.
“We came out with no intensity or passion,” Perry said. “We are not good enough to be able to play without that.”
Hawaii Prep had its share of chances early on, but Hilo would break the scoreless tie on a strike from Jasmine Smeraglia.
“Jasmine is a senior and always gives us an incredible effort,” Saplan said. “She worked hard for that goal.”
Jordyn Pacheco added another score for the Vikings before the half, executing on a nice cross from fellow freshman Miya Clarke.
Hilo entered the half with the two-goal cushion, but Hawaii Prep was still well within striking distance.
“I told the girls at the break we were lucky it was just 2-0,” Perry said. “The way we were playing, it could have easily been a lot more.”
Hawaii Prep picked up the pace to start the second half, but didn’t break through the Hilo defense until late in the game when Jordan Zarate found the back of the net.
Ka Makani kept up a constant flow of pressure to close out the contest, including a golden chance in the box by Zarate set up by Emma Taylor. But it was the old story of too little, too late.
“It was intense,” said Saplan. “But we enjoyed that. It’s exciting. That’s what this sport is all about.”
On the other side, Perry was happy how his team closed the match, but wants to see it from start to finish.
“We played about 20 minutes of good soccer,” Perry said. “Our Xs and Os will come as the season goes along, but we all have to be ready to play every game — coaches and players.”
Honokaa 0, Keaau 0
The Dragons and Cougars played to a scoreless draw in both team’s season-opener on the Cougars’ pitch.
Sarah Sedillo got the shut out for Honokaa.
Keaau’s goalkeeper was not available.
Boys
Hawaii Prep 7, Hilo 1
Hawaii Prep (1-0) used five different goal scorers to come away with a dominant win in its BIIF opener over Hilo (0-1).
Austin Schneider and Zen Simone each had pair of goals for Ka Makani, while Justin Perry, Ghar Pautz and Jevon Flippin had the others. Braden Kojima played the role of playmaker, tallying two assists.
Stormer Horton recorded a first half shutout, with two keepers splitting time in the second half.
Steven Baca scored late for Hilo to avoid the shutout.
