Leahi Blue is one of 58 teams from 17 states competing in the tournament that concludes today at Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Complex. It is the second straight year Hawai'i is hosting the event.

Gail Chang scored on a cross from Tamie Richardson seven minutes into the first "golden goal" overtime period to give Leahi Blue the win.

"It's awesome to watch all the women who started soccer in Hawai'i play at such a high, competitive level," said Chang, who lives in Kane'ohe. "We have some of the best women's players over 30 (from Hawai'i), it makes the game easier to play."

Leahi Blue is composed of players from club teams such as Leahi, He Kini Popo, Hana Hou, and Lanikai, and has many former college players.

"It's an honor, especially because it is in Hawai'i," said Leahi Blue goalkeeper Amanda Paterson, a former All-West Region player from the University of Hawai'i. "I'm sure we'll have at least one more (champion from Hawai'i). I guess we're lucky we had the first final, because there will be another (champion from Hawai'i)."

Championship games for women's over-35, over-40, over-45 and over-50, and men's over-40, over-45, over-50 and over-55 will be held today. Games are at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

"It shows Hawai'i players can compete at this level," Leahi Blue coach Nicky Arakawa said. "We showed we can step up to the level and play."

Leahi Blue dominated most of the game, even coming as close as having a shot bounce off the crossbar and slam straight down before bouncing out. They put the pressure on offensively and didn't give Mojo much of a chance to get its offense going.

"We were unlucky not to put away three or four more goals earlier," Paterson said.

Mojo coach Frank Iachelli said he was proud of his team. It only had one substitute, who was injured.

"When we took the game into overtime, I thought it was our best chance, because it was sudden death and we have some people who can put the ball in the back of the net," Iachelli said. "But unfortunately, so did they."

After pressuring the Mojo defense, Chang finally ended the scoreless match when she received a cross from Richardson from the endline and, without taking a touch, put the ball past the goalkeeper.

"Golden goal" means whoever scores in the overtime period automatically wins the game.

"If you're going to lose, lose in paradise," Iachelli said.

Leahi Blue team members: Marcey Beasley, Gail Chang, Sandy Chang, Noe Chee, Kealii Fisette, Shawna French, Adri Heely, Michelle Kessler, Stacey Nishina, Myrissa "Mouse" Olanda, Amanda Paterson, Tamie Richardson, Keri Shepherd, Shellie Silva, Kila Statts, Joy Uehara, Lisa Visick, Joelle Yamamoto, Nicole Yannell.