Kaua’i’s Shimabukuro earns all-tournament honors

The rest of the state now knows of Kaua’i’s talented and young soccer star, Skye Shimabukuro, who earned 2006 HHSAA/Meadow Gold Dairies Girls State Soccer all-tournament honors.

The freshman was one of three forwards on the all-tournament team and she was also the only KIF player on the squad.

Shimabukuro netted three goals in three games for the Red Raiders.

After starting off the season on the JV squad and dominating the field, it was just a matter before varsity head coach Blanche Arakaki decided to bring Shimabukuro up to the next level.

In first round state action, she led Kaua’i with the two goals for the 2-1 win against Moanalua.

Then in the quarterfinals, Shimabukuro netted a score against top-seeded Kamehameha-O’ahu. In that contest, Kalaheo resident Sanoe Souza punched in one of Kamehameha’s two goals.

The Red Raiders, the 2005-06 KIF champions, fell in the consolation bracket, 3-1 to Konawaena. Senior Rachel Taira scored Kaua’i’s lone goal.

Kamehameha went on to win the state championship with a 3-1 victory over Mililani.

• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com