Often times, in a tournament situation, unsung players will step to the forefront.

Among the standout performances I witnessed first-hand in Tuesday's Oahu Interscholastic Association Division I girls soccer tournament quarterfinal round at John Kauinana Stadium were a pair of freshmen that played pivotal roles in their team's victories.

In the early game of the doubleheader, which featured Campbell taking on Kaiser, it was Sabers' midfielder Destiny Souza who came up big. The ninth-grader scored twice in the first seven minutes of action to give her team a comfortable early lead.

Souza, who had just two goals to her credit during the regular season, spoke with confidence during a post game interview.

"From warmups, I knew I was going to score," proclaimed an otherwise mild-manner and typically shy Souza. "I was very motivated."

Souza held things down on the left side of the field for the Sabers and attacked her scoring opportunities with reckless abandon. Her first goal was a power shot, which she drove with her left foot just inside the right post. She followed that up minutes later with a finesse shot, lobbing a ricochet up and over the Kaiser goalkeeper.

In the nightcap at Mililani, freshman goalie Andrea Kenagy made both the routine stops and mixed in a few spectacular saves to help the host Trojans preserve the shutout victory over Kapolei.

Kenagy tallied nine saves altogether, including six in the second half.

Late in the first half, Kenagy rebuffed a Hurricanes' scoring chance. Early in the second half, Kapolei's Shandy Hopeau lined up a free kick from about 30 yards out, but Kenagy made a leaping save to end the threat.

With just minutes remaining, Kenagy denied the 'Canes once again. Kelli Fryxell booted a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box that was on line for the goal. However, Kenagy timed her jump perfectly and punched the ball up and over the crossbar.

The Trojans have an experienced roster that includes 10 seniors, but just one freshman in Kenagy, who has allowed just three goals all season.

The next test for Souza and the Sabers will come in the form of Kenagy and the Trojans when the teams face off in a 5:30 p.m. semifinal Thursday at Castle.