KAPOLEI - After playing Kapolei to a scoreless tie in the first half, Moanalua put together a strong second stanza, with goals scored by senior Kaisha Chu and junior Storm Kenui, to claim their first OIA division title since 2000 with a 2-0 shutout win over Kapolei.

"These girls have pushed hard ever since the beginning of the season," said Moanalua Head coach Nikki Dela Pena. "The girls executed everything they needed to."

Moanalua was lifted to a 2-0 victory with the goals from senior Kaisha Chu and junior Storm Kenui to give them the OIA Red Division title. Na Menehune made it to the OIA title game last year, only to lose Mililani.

"I think it made them hungry," Dela Pena said. "They knew what it took to get here and all they needed to do was finish."

"First half was fantastic by both sides. It was back and forth," Kapolei Head coach Brian Beck said. "Were obviously disappointed but we played a great tournament."

The second half brought the first score of the game at the 42nd minute. Na Menehune took advantage of a loose ball about 30 yards away from the net, as Chu drilled a ball low to the ground and bulleted into the lower corner of the net before the Kapolei keeper could really react.

"Kaisha is actually one of our teams leading scorers as a defender," Dela Pena said. "It adds to her versatility on this team."

The final goal of the game came off the foot of Kenui in the 69th minute.  After a bouncing ball following a Kapolei free kick, the junior seized control of the ball and took a couple steps before lasering the ball into the back of the net.

"I had an open shot and I took it," Kenui said. "I just cant believe I made it."

Kenui is one of Red division's leading scorers, with a total of ten goals so far for this season.

"Storm is always able to compose our offense," Dela Pena said. "I give her credit for the kind of player that she is."

Moanalua now claims the OIA's lone first round bye in the state tournament. Kapolei, Mililani, Kaiser, Pearl City, and Aiea will play in opening round matches, opponents to be determined.

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