Kailua own goal lifts Moanalua to state quarterfinals

Moanalua's Katie Helbush's (12) shot at goal ricocheted off of Kailua's Molly Jones' (23) right arm and in for an own goal score. CJ Caraang | SL

SALT LAKE — The 2019-20 season came full circle for the Surfriders and Na Menehune as both teams opened the Oahu Interscholastic Association season with a 1-1 draw back in December. The two squads met again Monday night — this time in the first round of The Queen's Medical Center/HHSAA Girls Soccer Division I State Championships with Moanalua edging out Kailua, 1-0, on the Mene's home field.

Katie Helbush's shot at the Kailua goal in the 28th minute ricocheted off Molly Jones' arm and in for an own goal for the lone score of the match.

From my angle not sure who scored but Moanalua is up 1-0 in the 28'. Goal was shot by Katie Helbush 2yds from the goal. The ball hit Kailua's Molly Jones right arm trying to clear the ball and it floated into the goal. Either a own goal or by K. Helbush. Nā Menehune leads 1-0
— Cj Caraang (@_SLCJ) February 4, 2020

Na Menehune advance to Thursday's state quarterfinal round where they will take on Big Island Interscholastic Federation champ Konawaena at 1 p.m. in the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex Main Stadium. The winner will advance to the semifinals against the winner between top-seeded defending state champion Kamehameha and Kamehameha-Maui.

This is the first time since 2013 that Moanalua will play in the state quarterfinals. From 2015–2019, Na Menehune's season had ended with losses in the first round.