KEAAU — Kayla Ongais says she’s “not sure” if the Hilo High water polo team is a contender yet. That doesn’t make the senior any less proud of the Vikings’ accomplishments. KEAAU — Kayla Ongais says she’s “not sure” if
KEAAU — Kayla Ongais says she’s “not sure” if the Hilo High water polo team is a contender yet. That doesn’t make the senior any less proud of the Vikings’ accomplishments.
Ongais scored seven goals Saturday at Naeole Pool as the Vikings beat Hawaii Prep and Kealakehe to clinch the final berth at the Big Island Interscholastic Federation semifinals.
“I feel like we’re improving a lot. Last year, we lost pretty much all of our starters,” Ongais said. “This year was a rebuilding year, and it’s been really good, especially for the amount of girls we have, about 10. I’m really surprised how far we’ve come.”
Kamehameha-Hawaii, meanwhile, continues to show just how far the rest of the league has to go. Kiana Krzyska added to her league-leading tally with 14 goals in two easy victories, and Sydney Plunkett added seven as the Warriors earned what has become their perennial spot at the Hawaii High School Athletic Association tournament.
As a freshman, Ongais was a starter on the 2009 Hilo team that beat Kamehameha in overtime in the BIIF finals — the Warriors’ last league loss.
Trying to replace five seniors as well as veteran coach Ron Koehler, Ongais said the sole goal for Hilo (4-4) this season was to stay together under new coach Kaipo McKeague.
“I felt like I need to step up this year and be a leader,” Ongais said. “Kaipo’s message is keep positive, play strong defense and have a good time.”
She scored four times, and Jane Ancheta, Shea Pitoy and Ginger Carlson also found the net in an 8-6 victory against Ka Makani that was probably the Vikings’ best win of the season.
Bhillie Luciani finished with two goals, and Jellian Cuartero, Hannah Parkin, Hailey Everett and Anu Nihipali also scored for HPA (4-3), which allowed an own goal.
Ongais’ hat trick paced an 8-4 victory against Kealakehe. Pitoy and Carlson each scored twice and Nicole Grandi added a goal.
Anna Thomas, Mehanna Pilago, Naomi Tomlinson and Sarah Somsanquansit scored as the Waveriders (2-6) were eliminated from postseason contention.
Kamehameha’s biggest challenge is trying to keep matches interesting.
After the Warriors (8-0) wrapped up the regular-season title and the top seed at BIIFs — which start April 27 — by beating Waiakea 14-3 and HPA 15-5, defensive specialist Alexia Osburn noted that it’s hard to go full throttle with such big leads.
