The Warriors celebrate on the Buffanblu's home field after handing Punahou its first loss of the season. Michael Lasquero | SL

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MAKIKI — After knocking on the door all game long, No. 4 Kamehameha finally found the back of No. 2 Punahou's net.

Leah Feato scored in the 74th minute to help the Warriors down the Buffanblu, 1-0, Friday in an Interscholastic League of Honolulu girls soccer contest at Alexander Field.

In handing Punahou (6-1-2) its first loss of the season, the Warriors (7-1-1) moved into sole possession of first place in a tight three-way race along with Iolani (6-1-1). The Warriors and Buffanblu played to a 1-1 tie in December.

"It's awesome," Feato said of the win. "This was a must-win for us in order to try to get into states, so we're very happy about it."

Kamehameha's Leah Feato takes a shot on goal during the second half. Michael Lasquero | SL    Purchase image

For Kamehameha, it was just a matter of time. The game was basically played on Punahou's side of the field. But Punahou's defense did its best to make Kamehameha work for its goal. Punahou goalkeeper Hailey Asato had six saves.

"That's the name of the game, scoring," Kamehameha coach Missy Moore said. "Sometimes we struggle, but I'm really proud of the girls for being determined and not giving up and playing through."

With Kamehameha controlling the ball on the Punahou side, it was imperative for the Buffanblu to keep fresh feet in the game, especially on defense against a physical and fast Warriors' team.

"I believe in having a deep bench," Punahou first-year coach Shelley Izuno said. "It's keeping fresh legs and being able to talk to them when they come out. We see things during the game and being able to pull someone off and not worry about what's going on, coach them and put them back in. I like to keep the flow of getting kids in the game."

Feato's goal came about two minutes after Punahou nearly scored when Adriana Maroney's shot from about seven yards from the left glanced off the cross bar.

The lone goal of the game was set up by freshman Carley Park's free kick from about 60 yards out that reached the penalty box area fronting the goal.

"Kitty (D'awncey Jones-Black) followed it in and she went one-on-one with the goalkeeper and (the ball) came back to me and I shot it. Kitty's pressure allowed us to kick the ball back," said Feato.

 

Kamehameha's Carley Park tries to advance the ball during the first half.

Kamehameha's defense - Park, Sarah Kaupiko, Nicole Wong, Poliahu Aina and Tausani Tavale - were relentless on Punahou ball handlers, who had trouble getting off shots on goal.

"I'm really proud of our defense," Moore said. "They're really organized. They stuck together. They played well off of each other. When one defender was beat, another was there."

Meanwhile, Punahou put up a strong fight, making Kamehameha earn the goal.

"They were pressuring us the whole game," Izuno said. "A lot of it just comes down to the effort they give to each other. We weren't able to play to our strength. (Kamehameha) is fast, they're physical, but were able to hang in there for as long as we could, but they worked for it and they earned that goal."

The Warriors close out the regular season against Mid-Pacific on Jan. 9 and PAC-5 on Jan. 12. The Buffanblu will play Iolani on Jan. 8 and Mid-Pac on Jan. 16.