Kamehameha readies to defend state water polo title against Punahou

HONOLULU — Some role reversal is at play in tonight’s HHSAA water polo championship.

Punahou had its title streak of 13 snapped by Kamehameha in last year’s final as the Warriors, after year upon year of futility, finally broke through for their second all-time title.

Now the Buffanblu will attempt to turn their own disappointment into success. They will meet the Warriors at 7:30 p.m. in Kapalama’s hillside pool.

“Definitely,” Punahou’s legendary coach Ken Smith said of whether last spring’s loss was an inspiring factor. “We had a young team last year. But I think they just really learned you gotta be hungry. I think they really learned a lot from it.”

[Note: See below for more photos from Friday’s semifinals.]

Friday night’s semifinals were a drama-free affair. Kamehameha defeated Iolani 12-6 and Punahou followed by routing Kaiser 15-1.

Kaileilani Harvey and Leinaala Wong had hat tricks and Ava Gurney scored twice from center for the Warriors.

Punahou claimed three of five league meetings with Kamehameha, including the ILH championship. Three went to overtime.

“Definitely we’ve never been in this position, the ones to defend 13 (straight) titles,” Gurney, who is bound to play for Pomona-Pitzer next year, told Spectrum News. “I give Punahou many props for that, especially the coaching staff and I know a lot of their players. I just really respect all of them. But at the end we just try to put the accolades aside and we just try to work for each other.”

The Warriors responded with force after ILH foe Iolani – playing in the state tournament for the first time in a decade – scored on its first possession. Kamehameha led 9-3 at half.

“I think that kind of woke them up and pissed them off a little bit,” Iolani coach Randy Bart said with a chuckle.

Kyra Lurito scored twice to lead Iolani.

Punahou was all business in the nightcap. Synnove Robinson scored seven goals and Reese Stallsmith added three for the Buffanblu, while five other players scored one apiece.

Smith said it is an unselfish group that is driven from within by its seniors, who as he spoke had huddled up the rest of the team in a corner of Kamehameha’s aquatic complex.

Kamehameha coach Anthony Cabrera said he was not surprised when Punahou proved tough to beat during the regular season.

“They move well in the water, they’re good shooters, they’ve got a great goalie. I expect another competitive, super exciting game,” he said.

Kamehameha’s Isabella Kapili prepared to lob a shot. (Spectrum News/Brian McInnis)

Iolani’s Mayasol Camp attempted a shot against Kamehameha goalkeeper Makana Fake. (Spectrum News/Brian McInnis)

Punahou’s longtime coach, Ken Smith. (Spectrum News/Brian McInnis)

Punahou’s Synnove Robinson scored seven goals against Kaiser in the state semifinals. (Spectrum News/Brian McInnis)

Brian McInnis covers the state’s sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.