West top-seed Mililani edges Moanalua in PKs, 1-0


Mililani players pile on top of each other following a shootout win over Moanalua. Greg Yamamoto | SL

KAISER - After 80 minutes of play, two overtime periods and a 3-0 shootout, Mililani is headed once again to the OIA Championship.

The Lady Trojans drilled three goals in the overtime shootout to defeat Moanalua 1-0, on Thursday night.

"Winning in overtime is very special," said Trojans coach Ray Akiona. "It's a nice way to finish."

Mililani (11-0-1), dominated most of the regulation period, but the defense of Moanalua was resilient throughout the match. The Na Menehune defense, who held the Lady Trojans offense scoreless throughout regulation, only gave up two goals during the regular season.

"Moanalua is a tough team," said Akiona. "They're committed and really aggressive. They're going to stay strong throughout this tournament.

After two even overtime periods, both teams set up for the shootout. Moanalua (10-2-0) just came off a win in an overtime shootout previously in the tournament against Kapolei.

"Going into the shootout, both teams played their hearts out," said Akiona. "Moanalua played a really good game."

During the shootout, Mililani made each of their three attempts at the goal. Seniors Brooke Yoshimura, Shyani Terukina and Alisha Miyashiro all placed their shots past the keeper and into the back of the net.

Moanalua, however, was not so fortunate. Mililani's keeper, Tasalina Leoso, blocked the opening attempt for the Na Menehune. The following two shots would miss the goal, resulting in a 1-0 (3-0 shootout score) victory for the lady Trojans.

The junior keeper has also not allowed a single goal for the Trojans during the regular season and so far during the OIA Red playoffs.

"Thank the lord," said Leoso. "I'm just ready for tomorrow. Ready for that championship."

Mililani moves on to play Kaiser for the OIA Championship. This will be the Lady Trojans fourth appearance in the championship in five years. Mililani has also won three of the past four OIA titles.



Reach Aven Santiago at [email protected].