Girls Soccer makes the Red Raiders bleed blue
January 17, 2023
Into the evening, the Moanalua athletic field hosted the Kahuku Red Raiders. With girls JV outlasting their 80 minutes to crown themselves 1st place in East standings.
With spirits high, the bleachers were ecstatic. The stadium entrance was decorated with posters alike to celebrate the varsity girls’ senior night.
The Nā Menehune kicked off their match (8-0-1) against the (7-2-0) Red Raiders. Awaiting to gap their lead in OIA standings.
Capitalizing quickly, the agility of the girls’ front line allowed for 3 early shots on target. Using Kahuku’s physically aggressive back line to draw fouls closer into the Red Raiders’ half.
The advancing pressure down the middle created the perfect space to draw a free kick. Where Rylie Echavaria proved her dominance on the spot scoring to open at 1-0 from a beautifully struck ball through the Red Raider wall.
The first half was shown to be a sealed fate for the visitors. Having been drawn for 5 free kicks and conceding 3 goals into the half. The bleachers colored in the many T-Shirt types for their respective seniors, chanting praise and playing music to set the tone for tonight.
The spirits of the seniors were amplified by the sheer amount of family support shown by the stands and the JV team. The Kahuku counter in the 2nd half was powerful. But proved to be short-lived.
Having bringing the ball to the Menehune box 3 times in the first 10 minutes. “We’ve learned a lot about each other’s playing styles and most importantly grew trust [in] one another to do their job on the field. I have complete faith in my defensive line and [that] is why I have confidence in them.” Right back Isis-Jade Bryant dropped back constantly, clearing the ball out of the danger zone.
“Looking back at the beginning of the season until now, I am so happy with how far (the or my) defensive line has come.“ said Bryant.
Goalkeeper Zoe Crawford displayed her control of the goal. Making all 3 saves and commanding her back line to push forward, the counter shortly leading a goal by Areana Owens, producing a 5-0 lead as the full-time result. Celebrated with the ceremony of the seniors alongside a firework display at the end.
Congratulations to the seniors!
Areana Owens (F)
Isis-Jade Bryant (D)
Rylie Echavaria (MF)
Kaielle Sano (MF)
Skylor Hayes (MF)
Zoe Crawford (GK)
Jiyanah Sumajit (MF)
Allison Helbush (MF)
Ayzalee Maglaya (Team Manager)
