Western Division Girls: Mililani teammates honored

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Mililani High School forward Mele French undoubtedly was the Trojans' "big gun" on offense this year, leading all O'ahu players with 23 goals during the regular season.

But as with any gun, somebody had to provide the ammunition. For Mililani, that job often belonged to center-halfback Jolie Nitta, who shared O'ahu Interscholastic Association West Player of the Year honors with French in a vote of division coaches.

"The center-half is the key, because she usually controls the play and gets the assists," said 'Aiea coach Gordon Matsuoka, whose team played the Trojans in the regular season and state semifinals. "In soccer, the ones who score get recognition. But Mililani's passing game was very good — that's their strength. I thought their center-half was pretty strong."

The Trojans, who won the West with an 8-0-1 record, led all teams with four players on the All-Star first team: seniors French and Nitta, junior goalkeeper Eryn Kishimoto and junior defender Jen Loo.

'Aiea, which tied Mililani in a regular season game and finished second in the standings with a 7-0-2 record, placed three players on the first team: senior midfielder Jodie Unten, senior defender Shelby Greer and junior defender Randene Ako.

Pearl City also was represented by three players: senior forward Carmen Calpo, senior defender Rachel Nicholson and junior midfielder Joni Yoon.

Calpo was second in the West with 17 goals.

Waialua freshman midfielder Roxanne Lloyd completed the first team.

Mililani's James Uson, who guided the Trojans to their first OIA championship since 1993, was named Coach of the Year.