LIHU‘E — Pono Tokioka rebounded from his team’s No. 4 individualist performance last week, but the effort fell short as the Kaua‘i boys dropped the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation Match No. 4 to Kapa‘a High School by nine strokes on Saturday at the Kaua‘i Lagoons Golf Club.
Playing in brisk tradewinds, Tokioka carded a 77 (38-39) to lead the Red Raiders, but Kapa‘a prevailed with its first, second and third players outscoring Kaua‘i by a combined nine strokes to give the Warriors a 338-329 victory.
“We have to win today,” said Kapa‘a coach Justin Thomas while heading out to the crossing which fell on the No. 18 hole as the KIF pairings started from the No. 10, ending at the No. 9 hole.
Kapa‘a’s No. 1 boys’ golfer Kenji Miyata, a consistent competitor with Tokioka, carded the best round of the day, shooting par 36 on the back nine for a 76 (40-36).
This was the only par for the day and put Kapa‘a up by one stroke, Bryden Salvador (39-41-80) and Jordan Guerrero (40-42-82) putting the game out of reach as Kawika Wellington (44-47-91) rounded out the Kapa‘a boys’ team scoring.
Following Tokioka, Kaua‘i got an 83 (40-43) from Jamie Amimoto and its No. 3 golfer Kai Adachi carded an 88 (43-45), with Braeden Robley rounding out the Kaua‘i team scoring with a 90 (41-49).
Reyn Morioka, normally with the Red Raider leaders, missed the cut for team scoring by a stroke, ending the day at 91 (43-48), tying with fellow Red Raider Vance Tokita (40-51-91). Jordan Serrano rounded out the Kaua‘i boys, carding a 101 (51-50).
Kapa‘a individualists included Mitchell Alves finishing with a 90 (45-45), Landon Ishida (46-54-100), Tyler Carvalho (53-54-107) and Anthony Aiwohi (47-61-108).
Michael Miller topped the Island School team scoring with a 96 (46-50) as the Voyagers finished with a team score of 399, Michael being followed by Jacob Dysinger (49-49-98), Daniel Miller (50-52-102), Adam Sciafani (55-48-103) and Teddy Rose at 117 (56-61).
Taylor Viquelia continued to lead the Kaua‘i girls, finishing in a tie with Miyata at 76 (37-39) to lead the Red Raider wahine 247 team scoring.
Daezsa Tomas followed a stroke back at 77 (39-38) with Janea Park (44-50-94) completing the girls’ scoring. Sabrina Barrier rounded out the Kaua‘i girls with a 99 (48-51).
Naea Oda represented the Kapa‘a girls with an 82 (40-42) and Mariah Paiste led the Menehune with an 87 (42-45), followed by Juliette Cowell (79-83-162).
Saturday’s KIF Golf Match No. 5 moves to the Puakea Golf Course with the first grouping teeing off at noon.
