Punahou players celebrate after a goal scored against Kealakehe. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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020813_PunKeal 0156.jpg - Greg Yamamoto | SL

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WAIPIO - Punahou waltzed through Kealakehe Friday in a dominating win, 4,0, securing a spot in the Outrigger Hotels and Resorts/HHSAA Division I Boys Soccer State Championship for the second time in three years.

"It was good for us. After playing a little flat against Pearl City last night, we always have those first game jitters," said Buffanblu coach David Trifonovitch. "It was nice to get over the hump and tonight we got a little more confidence. We played our possession game and we were able to spread them out around a little bit."

The first goal for the Buffanblu was a slight head shaker. An intended cross by Kendall Nishina took an unfortunate Waverider bounce and slowly snuck past the Kealakehe keeper. The sluggish goal scored by the junior came eleven minutes into the opening half.

"Sometimes you get lucky," said Nishina. "It's all about the chances and we just got lucky on that one."

The score by Nishina was his first recorded of the season.

A couple minutes later, Punahou struck again. A ball sent in from the outside was finished with a one touch shot by Senior Blaine Granger. The cross, originally hitting Sophomore Steven Yoshimoto, was flicked to Granger for the score. The 2-0 lead came during the 14th minute of play.

Granger has four recorded goals this season so far.

"Overall, I was much more happier than last night," said Trifonovitch. "I think confidence was a big issue. We need to play with confidence..

Punahou scored their last goal of the half in the 23rd minute of the first period. Multiple collisions in the box resulted in a goal credited to Alec Dinsmore. The finish by the sophomore put the Buffanblu up by three.

"We need to dictate the pace of the game," said Trifonovitch. "We need to take control of the game and play the way we want to play."

Dinsmore scored again in the 69th minute of the play. The fourth goal tacked on was assisted by Junior Kainoa McDonald to seal the game at 4-0. With that, Punahou heads back once again to the state championship.

"(Returning to the championship) We can't get over emotional about it," said Trifonovitch. Honestly it's just a matter of getting focused. I think the guys remember it from last year. Whoever it's against, we got to go out and play our best."

In order to secure its 19th state title overall, Punahou will have to contend with the state's leading scorer, Kalani's Leo Klink. The Falcon senior had a goal against the Buffanblu last year in the semifinal upset and also has 24 recorded goals this season.

"It's a new year. We got to play our game and do what we do," said Punahou defender Royce Romero. "(About Klink) We knew what we were facing against. Mark him tight and keep it tight. Make sure we cover and keep organized."