Punahou's Roxy Kiessling advances the ball against Kahuku Scott Nishi | SL

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Punahou players pose with the championship trophy. Scott Nishi | SL

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Punahou goalkeeper Keaupono Fey readies for a shot attempt by Kahuku's Ellie Williams. Scott Nishi | SL

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Kahuku goalkeeper Kayla Chang lunges to make a save attempt against Punahou. Scott Nishi | SL

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Punahou's Turner Wong had a game-high five goals to help lead the Buffanblu to an eighth straight state title. Scott Nishi | SL

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Punahou won their sixth straight state championship and eighth overall, defeating fellow unbeaten Kahuku in the title game of the Stanford Carr Development Girls Water Polo State Championships, 8-4.

"What made this one even more special is the unselfishness of this group. Their unselfish attitude and their work ethic have made this I think one of my most enjoyable seasons." said Punahou head coach Ken Smith.

The Buffanblu actually trailed after one quarter of play, as the Red Raiders took a 3-2 lead with just over 2 minutes left in the first on a score by Ellie Williams.

"I thought we were playing well, we kept the pressure up. We were in great condition, and I thought that we were playing real well even though we were down a goal." remarked Smith.

And true to form, Punahou quickly tied the score on a Roxy Kiessling goal from about 18 feet out just a minute into the second, and then took the lead on a shot by Caitlin Kaneshiro that snuck just under the keeper at the 2:08 mark.

Then with just under a minute left in the half, Turner Wong scored her second of game-high five goals with a nifty no-look shot, reminiscent of something seen from her days playing point guard on the Buffanblu basketball team, from about 12 feet out that tucked neatly into the left corner of the goal.

"I tried to do the no-look, we call them look-aways, but I was just in the moment, just going by instinct and I try not to think about where to go, just shoot as hard as I can, and hopefully it will go in." said Wong, who was also named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

Wide-open looks by Punahou's wing players were the direct result of what looked to be a concerted effort on the part of Kahuku to try and take away opportunities for center Lauren Boyer. And on this night, Wong was definitely the recipient of the extra attention placed on the senior anchor for the Buffanblu.

"Like Ken (Punahou head coach Smith) tell us teams will have to pick their poison," explained Boyer. "They can leave me open, or Turner, Roxy, Kelly (Fricke) anyone on our team (will be open for a scoring chance). It makes me happier than just scoring goals, I'm really proud of my team."

Boyer did get on the scoreboard, scoring Punahou's opening goal on a five-meter a little more than a minute and a half into the title game, but seemed more than content to play the role of faciliator.

The Buffanblu may have put an eight-spot on the Red Raiders, but a crowd of nearly 600 that were in attendance at the Duke Kanahamoku Aquatic Complex were treated to an impressive display in goal by Kahuku keeper Kayla Chang.

Chang stopped 16 shots, including an emphatic stuff of a Buffanblu shot on a 1-on-1 fast break in the dying moments.

"As a senior, I told her (Chang) to lead us and play your game and they will follow you. She was focused in goal and as a team captain she did her best to lead her team." said Kahuku head coach Makana Leiataua.

Punahou's keeper was on her game as well, stopping 12 shots in the contest, including a key save near the end of the third quarter to keep Kahuku from cutting into the margin heading into the final quarter.

"We've worked so hard this season on defense, but Kahuku did great, they had an awesome offense. We went in not knowing what to expect at times but we just went out there playing our hardest." said Fey.

The title appearance was the first for Kahuku since 2007. Punahou has won every title game that they have appeared in.

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

Doran Bosque, Kapolei
Kiana Harpstrite, Iolani
Kayla Chang, Kahuku
Nohea Sayles-Kahaulelio, Kahuku
Kelly Fricke, Punahou
Roxy Kiessling, Punahou
Lauren Boyer, Punahou

Most Outstanding Player: Turner Wong, Punahou