‘Iolani took 46 seconds to capitalize on a series of missed opportunities.
Now, the Raiders are headed for the state girls soccer tournament.
Shantel Torres-Benito scored 46 seconds into the second half to help host ‘Iolani beat Punahou 1-0 in an ILH game on Tuesday. The win sends the Raiders into the state tournament and ends the season for Punahou at 8-3-1. ‘Iolani (10-0-1, 31 points) plays at Kamehameha (10-1-0, 30 points) in Friday’s regular-season finale that will decide the ILH title and a seed in the state tournament.
“We had so many chances in the first half that we should’ve put away,” ‘Iolani coach Kristin Masunaga said. “It was going to come.”
With the Raiders attacking to start the second half, Torres-Benito knocked in the goal after collecting a loose ball in the box. It was enough to hold off the Buffanblu during a week with postseason implications. The sole focus was on Tuesday’s game and nothing else beyond that.
“It’s special for the seniors and to win against Punahou,” Masunaga said during the postgame senior day ceremony. “We’re taking it one game at a time. We didn’t look forward to Friday, we had to take care of business today.”
Punahou needed to win on Tuesday to remain in contention for one of the league’s two state tournament berths. Anuenue Zoller’s shot just missed in the 84th minute after ‘Iolani’s goalkeeper came out toward the ball, leaving the goal wide open. Punahou’s shot attempt in the closing minutes went off the right post.
The Buffanblu staff expressed its appreciation of the team in the postgame huddle.
“A lot of thank yous actually were said from the coaches for the effort that was put in, thank yous and appreciation for the seniors who have been with this team,” Punahou coach Starr Johnson said. “And just a reminder in the grand scheme of things, it’s a game and we consider it a success if they learned to work hard and to love each other.”
‘Iolani beat Kamehameha 1-0 on Jan. 13 behind Kylee Kim-Bustillos’ goal.
OIA PLAYOFFS
Pearl City 4, Campbell 2
The streak lives for another season.
Sunshine Fontes had a hat trick and the Chargers beat the Sabers to clinch a state berth for the 32nd straight year.
The Chargers, who have made the state tournament every year since 1984, play Castle in today’s semifinals. Campbell, the defending OIA champion, plays Aiea for a state berth on Aiea’s field.
Mililani 3, Kailua 0
Marisa Matsuo, Ki’i Aweau and Mariko Bebb all scored and the defending state champions locked up a state berth with a shutout of the Surfriders.
Mililani plays Moanalua in tonight’s semifinal, while Kailua takes on Kapolei for a state berth.
Castle 4, Aiea 0
Vanessa Chinen scored two goals and the Knights beat Na Alii to earn a spot in the state tournament.
Castle plays top seed Pearl City in the OIA semifinals tonight at Kapolei, while Aiea hosts Campbell with a state berth on the line.
Moanalua 3, Kapolei 1
Jacie Iwane, Rachel Elizares and Kelci Sumida scored goals and Na Menehune dropped Kapolei to earn a state berth.
Moanalua advances to play Mililani in the OIA semifinals tonight at Kapolei.
The Hurricanes travel to Aiea to play Kailua, with the winner going on to states and the loser ending its season.