Watanabe powers Raiders over Trojans, 3-0

Iolani's Mia Watanabe battles for a loose ball with Mililani goal keeper Andrea Kenagy outside of the 18-yard box in the first half. Michael Lasquero | SL

WAIPAHU — Mia Watanabe had the game of her life Friday night.

The Iolani freshman forward netted a hat trick to the Raiders to a 3-0 win over Mililani in the semifinal round of The Queen's Medical Center/HHSAA Division I tournament at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium.

With the win the Raiders (12-0-3) move on to face Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I champion Punahou for the state crown Saturday night.

Iolani, who notched its third straight 3-0 victory in the state tourney, also handed the Trojans (12-1-2) their first loss of the season.

From the opening whistle, Iolani pressured Mililani with its pace and ball movement.

It only took the Raiders four minutes to score the opening goal on Watanabe's first of three goals. After some crisp passing in Mililani's 18-yard box, Watanabe was able to easily slot it home.

The freshman forward would find the back of the net again just 13 minutes later. In the 17th minute, Mililani goal keeper Andrea Kenagy made a reaction save on an initial shot by Watanabe. The ball ricocheted to the far right of the 18 yard box and both players chased it down. Watanabe managed to dribble past Kenagy and shot a looping ball into the upper left corner of the goal to double up the Raiders' lead.

Watanabe would complete her second hat trick of the season in the 45th minute to put the game well out of reach for Mililani.

"Coming in to this tournament, I was a little nervous, but my teammates are amazing and they help me focus and help me stay in the game," said Watanabe, who now has 14 goals on the season.

Iolani coach Kristin Masunaga added that Watanabe has been huge for the team this season.

"She plays a lot of minutes for us. She takes some attention off of Kylee (Kim-Bustillos) and Sam (Masca). They all complement each other well."

Iolani dominated much of the match. The Raiders' movement, pace, and passing were too much for Mililani to handle.

"I just got to say it out straight, Iolani played a better game today," said Mililani coach Ray Akiona. "They played well. They didn't have any lucky shots, they moved the ball, they hustled. You have to respect a team and coaching staff like that. That's why that team is very special."

When Mililani managed to steal the ball every now and then, they played long balls over the top, but the Iolani defense was well equipped to deal with them.

"This is my first states and it is an amazing feeling," said Watanabe, who also celebrated her birthday just one day prior. "I'm so happy to have helped this team make it to the finals because they're amazing.