Punahou sophomore Kaya Lee fires a shot over Roosevelt's Rayna Miranda. Sylvia Lee | SL

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An early deficit did not deter the defending state champions.

After giving up the first score of the game, Punahou scored seven straight goals and never looked back as it sped past Roosevelt, 12-4, Friday night in the semifinals of the Stanford Carr Development, LLC Girls Water Polo State Championships.

The win punches the Buffanblu's ticket into Saturday's state championship game against Kamehameha where they will try for their 10th straight title, their 12th overall. The scheduled start time is slated for 6 p.m. at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Center.

Sophomore center Kaya Lee was one of six Punahou players to register a goal in the win. She scored a game-high three goals while Dani Kauahi, Robbie Bickerton, Marissa Anne Miller, Micaela Kauhane all added two goals apiece. Malia Gacutan also had a score.

The Rough Riders were led by April Gomes' two goals. Other Roosevelt players with scores include Taylor Brooks and Rayna Miranda.