Kalani posts shutout of Kailua to advance to OIA Division I semis

Kinue Miller I ScoringLive

Aito Sameshima knocked home his team-leading eighth goal in the 69th minute of play to break the scoring seal and Davian-Fox McElfresh added an insurance goal in the 75th in Kalani's 2-0 win over Kailua in the quarterfinals of the OIA Division I playoffs.

The victory secured a state berth for the Falcons, who missed out on states a season ago, and was a bit of a full circle moment as well, as these same two teams met in last season's quarterfinal round. Kalani lost 2-1 in double overtime. The Falcons then lost to the Cougars in an elimination game the next night.

"I missed out last year because of an ankle injury so it feels good to be abck this year and to (help) put the team back into states, especially against Kailua because we lost to them last year (in the playoffs)," said Sameshima.

Though the build up took a bit longer than probably the Falcons were hoping, all that changed 29 minutes into the second half.

Sameshima's goal was the dividend paid on what seemed like almost constant pressure the Falcons placed on the Surfriders for much of the contest, as a pass down the left side found him in stride for the opening salvo, to relief of the both Falcons' bench and fans.

"Honestly I don't even remember," said Sameshima of the play. "I just got the ball, took it in, shot it for a post and it went in."

But despite the one score advantage, the Falcons didn't let off the gas pedal, but instead continued to press, seeking out an insurance score, which they found six minutes of game time later as McElfresh sliced through a trio of defenders and deftly placed a shot into the top left corner to make it 2-0.

While the added goal was a crucial cushion needed to help better assure the victory, the score almost marked the first for McElfresh since Dec. 11 where the junior midfielder scored a hat trick against Kailua.

"I've been goalless for like two months so that felt great to finalize a score," McElfresh remarked.

Kailua keeper Jayce Quade made eight saves compared to just one by his counterpart Dylan Lee. Desmond McMaster had the lone shot on goal for the Surfriders.