GRR: Hawaii
The defending Hawaii state champion Kahuku Red Raiders kicked off their season with a very tough victory 10-5 over the rival Kalihi Raiders.
This was a repeat of the 2015 state final.
“It wasn’t pretty,” said Kahuku Coach Seamus Fitzgerald. “We’re working on new systems with some new players, but we’re looking forward to the coming weeks.”
“We just buckled down,” said center/fullback Sioaosi Pakileata about his team’s strong finish. “Our coach said to rest up, not play stupid, and pass the ball.”
Kalihi had plenty of pace but didn’t use it the first day.
The prevalence of Hawaiian players on women’s college teams has increased in the last couple of years, with programs like Notre Dame College and Lindenwood leading the recruitment effort. At the end of June, Hawaii will bring its all-star team to the mainland and join the Pacific Northwest Challenge, one of seven Regional Cup Tournaments occurring around the country this month.
Latest Scores from the Pacific Cup (NOTE - Day Two action was moved to the University of San Diego after the Little Q was flooded)
(see preview here)
There were four winners in the first day of the Pacific Cup, but really, observers are most impressed with two of them.