Hanalani earns final ILH D2 state berth


Hanalani's Nicole Gonzalez drives to the basket against Saint Francis. Eric Alcantara | Special to SL
Led by Sarah Liva's 15 points, the Royals claimed the final berth to next week's Division II state girls basketball tournament with a 49-32 victory over Saint Francis.

The Saints opened up with a 14-13 lead after one period of play, but the Royals responded by outscoring Saint Francis 8-1 in the second quarter to lead 21-15 at halftime.

Malia Boullion added 11 points for Hanalani, who joins ILH Division II champion Maryknoll and second-place Hawaii Baptist in next week's state tournament.

Lacey Satele hit 3 three-pointers for a team-high 9 points for the Saints.