Campbell needs penalty kicks to down Kaiser, reclaim OIA Division I crown

Campbell Lady Sabers celebrates with their fourth OIA girls soccer league title in school history at Kapolei’s Alvin Nagasako Sports Complex. CJ Caraang | SL

For at least one more season in OIA Division I girls soccer, the West is best once again.

Campbell rallied for a second half equalizer on Miyah Suster's penalty kick goal, then got a crucial stop from goalkeeper Jayci Pong in the sudden death shootout to win the school's fourth overall league title.

With no change in score through the two overtime periods, the game was decided via penalty kicks, and the two sides exchanged goals through the first two rounds. In the third set of PKs, however, Jayci Pong made her mark on the game, stopping the attempt by the Cougars in an instant swing momentum.

"I'm so proud of Jayci," said Suster. "We were telling her just go one way, just take a guess. She was confident she went one way and ended up saving it, and that was really big for us."

Pong, who sat for the second half and both overtimes, heated up quickly despite having been on the sidelines for an extended period.

"When we were down (1-0), I felt like I doubted myself and go in my own head for second," said Pong. "But when coach called me up to take the PKs, I realized that he trusted me so I have to have the same trust in myself."

Kaiser's fourth attempt in the shootout sailed just inches over the top bar, setting the stage for Suster, who had the aforementioned equalizer via PK as well, to calmly boot through the clinching goal, and the celebration ensued at midfield.

"We won my sophomore year so it was good to get it back this year," said Suster of the win. "We honestly were expecting to play Mililani, but then Kaiser came out and was beating us 1-0 for a lot of the game."

The surprise of this tourney has been the play of the Cougars, and that trend continued in the opening moments as early offensive pressure from Kaiser paid dividends in just the second minute of play, as Skyy Smith found some open space about 20 yards out and struck gold, lacing a strike into the back of the net to give the East champions the early advantage.

That early score clearly stunned both the Sabers, who struggled for much of the first half but looked more composed as the half progressed.

"Our first half was not our best half at all, but we came back in the second half, moved some people around and then the momentum started going our way," said Suster.

That momentum shift manifested into a goal in the 61st minute, as Nashalia Kane was fouled in the box on a throw-in set piece, setting up the equalizing play via penalty kick.

"It was a long throw in from Jill (Marquez)," recalled Suster. "And I was able to flick it with my head to Nasha, and she was able to create the opportunity. If she wasn't fouled, I'm sure she would have scored"

Kane then deferred the penalty kick to Suster, who made good on the chance to tie the score up.

The Cougars were seeking its first title since 1997.

Both teams will represent the OIA in the upcoming HHSAA Division I tournament, set to begin on January 26 at regional sites.