Eastern Division Girls: Gonzales led by example

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Rachael Gonzales didn't lead the East in scoring. Instead, she provided the leadership that carried Kailua to second place. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

Her numbers — eight goals in 10 O'ahu Interscholastic Association Eastern Division games — are nothing to sneeze at, but Gonzales' role as team leader played a greater part in the youthful Surfriders' surprising 7-1-2 second-place finish in the East.

That value was rewarded when division coaches voted her as the East's Player of the Year.

"Before the season, some of the East coaches thought Kailua might have a tough go because they looked like a real young team," said Kalaheo's Alan Heu, the Coach of the Year. "But to Rachael's credit, she solidified the team from her midfield position and helped them finish a lot higher than some people thought they would."

Gonzales was the only Surfrider named to the East's first team. She will play for the University of Hawai'i in the fall.

Kalaheo, which won the division with an 8-1-1 record, placed three players on the first team: senior forward Lindsey Peck, junior goal keeper Amy Lusk and junior defender Brandi Benson. Peck led the East with 17 goals.

Kaiser also had three first-team selections: sophomore defender Jana Yoshino and senior attackers Jasmine Yoshino and Allison Lee.

Kalani was represented by senior attacker Lindsay Fujitani and sophomore defender Chelsea Wong. Fujitani's twin brother, Gavin, also is a first-team All-Star for Kalani.

Kaimuki senior defender Nicole Takemoto and Kahuku junior attacker Krisha Kai also were named to the first team. Kai was second in the East with 15 goals.