On Saturday, April 5th, Moanalua faced off against Kalaheo for a spot at the 2025 water polo OIA playoffs. The final score was 18-5, Moanalua. 

Moanalua has had an ongoing rivalry with Kalaheo ever since they lost to Kalaheo on their senior night by one point after overtime, two years ago. For two seasons in a row, Kalaheo has knocked out Moanalua for the last spot at playoffs, and once again stood as the last team between Moanalua and postseason. 

Normally, head coach Mark Mikami imposes a 5-goal limit per player, and a maximum 10-point lead overall. However, that day Mikami wanted to prove that his team deserved their win–and their place at the play-offs–so at their halftime break, he announced to his team that he was lifting his usual regulations on scoring.

“It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, I feel so free,” commented Ellie Dallas as she prepared to go back in the water for the game’s third quarter. Dallas had her eyes on Kalaheo’s #4, Kiana Feeney, who at that point had her topped in OIA by only 3 goals. Following their game against Kalaheo, Dallas ranked as top scorer in the state, and currently remains there, having amassed 42 goals to this day. 

When asked for his thoughts post-game, Mikami simply stated, “I can finally relax.” 

Expecting the last two games left in the normal season to be relatively easier, Mikami plans to shift all of his attention to the freshmen and new players. 

Moanalua water polo is now preparing to head into their first play-off game against Mililani this afternoon. They lost their pre-season game to Mililani 8-10, with several key players absent, so they hope to redeem themselves and play at the state championships this year for the first time since pre-COVID school years. 

If you want to come support them as they challenge Mililani tonight, their game will be at 5 pm at Kaimuki High School. You can also find them on Instagram at @mohs.waterpolo.