LIHUE — The Kauai High School varsity girls soccer team retained its undefeated record in the Kauai Interscholastic Federation soccer standings with a 2-0 win Saturday at Vidinha Stadium.
The Red Raider wahine, under coach Kevin Devitt, broke a 0-0 halftime deadlock with a pair of second-half goals to wrap up a 2-0 win over Waimea.
Saraiah Ijima was in the right place at the right time in the 45th minute as Kauai rocketed a shot from the deep right pocket, and after several bounces between players, Ijima nailed the goal in heavy traffic.
The tie-breaker put Waimea in a stronger defensive posture, led by the efforts of goalkeeper Kailani Yamamoto, San Agustin-Nordmeier and help from Abby Molina, Ashley Hookano and Ivy Sarmiento.
Its offense was sparked by play from Caitlyn Owen, who made several attacks into Red Raider territory, but came up empty on the strength of the Kauai midfield.
Late in the game, Kawehi Taniguchi iced the win with a goal.
Kauai had its moments in offense, but contended with the quick Menehune defense as forward Wailana Gandeza was thwarted on goal attempts on many occasions during both halves.
Marissa Ruiz, playing the right wing, also came up empty on at least three corner kicks by Macy Tamura, and Caitlyn Cantorna was held at bay by the Menehune defense.
Earlier in the day, Waimea junior varsity got two goals from Justin Fune to lead its 4-2 edge over Kauai’s JV who got its two goals from Ryan Ruiz.
Waimea boys JV graced its win on nets from Cody Taniguchi and Brendon Chock.
The girls JV game was shortened by game officials following Kauai’s 17-0 romp over the JV Menehune wahine.
Kauai coach Bobby Rapozo said the team tried to spread the scoring around so each member would have a shot at a goal.
Waimea opened varsity play with a 2-0 win over Kauai as its offense outran the Kauai defense, Bradley Lumabao breaking a 0-0 halftime deadlock with a goal in the second half.
Brock Tacata took advantage of the tiring Red Raider defense in the final minutes of play, firing a goal past the Red Raider goalkeeper after out-distancing the defenders.
Despite the low-scoring outcome, play on the boys field was intense as Kauai boys picked up yellow cards from Kaiea Iwasaki in the 51st minute and Diego Portillo in the 71st minute.
Kauai committed five fouls in the first half, matched by the Menehune who was tagged for eight first-half infractions and a yellow card to Tacata in the 33rd minute.
Kauai next hosts Island School Wednesday at Vidinha Stadium with the girls kicking off at 5 p.m. followed by the boys starting at 7 p.m.
Waimea will host Kapaa at the Hanapepe Stadium with the girls starting at 5 p.m. and the boys, currently leading the KIF standings under Gary Hudson’s coaching, at 7 p.m.
Scores:
JV Boys: Waimea 4, Kauai 2
JV Girls: Kauai 17, Waimea 0
Boys: Waimea 2, Kauai 0
Girls: Kauai 2, Waimea 0
