On an all but breeze-less day at Wailua Municipal, the Red Raiders found there really was no place like home. They were relentless in transforming a five-shot first-round advantage over Punahou into a 12-stroke victory over Waiakea.

Kaua'i, which has won two of the past four state titles, had a two-round total of 460. The best three-of-four scores counted each day. The girls played Wailua at par-72, 6,180 yards.

Choy played it best, in sweltering conditions caused more by the pressure of the moment than the humidity. The 5-foot-7 sophomore with size 9 1/2 shoes lived up to her larger-than-life golf image by firing the day's best round, again.

She entered the final day tied with Kamehameha Schools junior Mari Chun. After a 2-over-par 74, Choy won the individual title by two over Kaua'i High senior Jennie Pleas (75). Pleas is headed to Nevada on a golf scholarship.

Choy's trio of birdie putts from within 12 feet on the front nine proved decisive, as did an overnight revelation that spoke volumes for the 15-year-old's maturity.

Choy went to the final tee Wednesday with a driver — her best weapon — in her hand and a sub-par score on her card. She launched her drive in the trees for double bogey.

After a discussion with Wailua regulars Wednesday, she hit a 3-iron on the 18th tee yesterday and finished with a relatively simple 6-iron and two-putt par.

Now that she truly appreciates how hard it is to win a state title, she wants another.

"Winning the state is a big thing because there's a lot of good golfers in the state of Hawai'i," Choy said. "Everybody has the potential to be another Michelle Wie."

Pleas' consolation for finishing second was the team title. Top-12 finishes by Pleas, freshman Miki Ueoka and senior Ki'ilani Matsuyoshi gave the Red Raiders a wire-to-wire win. Pleas and Matsuyoshi also played vital roles in their 2001 state title.

A year ago, Kaua'i couldn't catch Hilo, despite Lehua Wise's runner-up finish. Coach Kellie Pleas — Jennie's mother — said then her team's best year was ahead. She was prophetic.

The Red Raiders' goal the first day was to break 230, which it met by a stroke. Yesterday, Kellie Pleas called Wise at New Mexico State, where she won the Sun Belt Conference in her first season.

"I was really nervous," Pleas admitted. "I said, 'What do I tell them?' Lehua said, 'Just focus on themselves and beat the golf course. It's home-course advantage.' We had to take advantage of it."

Choy and Pleas were followed by Waiakea's Amanda Wilson (77—151), who has top-five finishes in her three state high school appearances. Chun (80), Hilo's Whitney Ueno (77), Baldwin senior Kelly Nakashima (76) and Ueoka (78) were next at 153.

Choy (OIA), Wilson (BIIF), Nakashima (MIL) and Ueoka (KIF) were all league champions this year.

SHORT PUTTS

'Aiea's Shari Horio had a hole in one on the 112-yard 17th hole, acing it with a 7-iron. ... There have been six girls state championships. Kaua'i High, Waiakea and Hilo have won two each. ... Waiakea senior Kira-Ann Murashige, the 2003 state champion, will attend Long Beach State in the fall. ... Punahou senior Lindsey Hong is headed to Yale and Kaua'i's Ki'ilani Matsuyoshi will play for University of Hawai'i-Hilo's first women's team.

Reach Ann Miller at amiller@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8043.

HHSAA/David S. Ishii Foundation Girls State Golf Championship

Yesterday

At Wailua Golf Course, Kaua'i

(Par: 72; Yardage: 6,180)

Final Round

Team Scores (Three players scores)

1. Kaua'i 229-231—460
2. Waiakea 236-236—472
3. Punahou 234-241—475
4. Hilo 236-249—285
5. Baldwin 249-245—494
6. Roosevelt 254-241—495
7. Moanalua 248-259—507
8. 'Aiea 258-261—519
9. Kahuku 305-289—594
10. Mililani 306-304—610

Individual Results