Water polo isn't really a fast-moving sport, but the Kahuku girls just made it seem that way yesterday against Kaimuki.

Gina Ahue scored five goals and visiting Kahuku took advantage of numerous fast-break opportunities to rout Kaimuki, 17-6, in an O'ahu Interscholastic Association match.

"I think we're really conditioned," said Kahuku junior Minnie Whitford. "We just race down the pool and see who's open and we just try to get a shot off."

Kahuku, which has won all five OIA girls water polo titles, is 10-0. Kaimuki fell to 6-3.

Kahuku led 7-3 at halftime before overwhelming Kaimuki with its speed, depth and experience.

More than half of Kahuku's goals came on long outlet passes that resulted in players moving in alone on Kaimuki's goal keeper.

"Usually we're not known to be a fast team, so whenever we can get a fast break, I'm happy," said Kahuku head coach Makana Whitford. "Those are the most important goals, when you're on your own."

Early in the fourth period with Kahuku leading 12-3, Minnie Whitford, the sister of the coach, missed a 1-on-1, point-blank shot on a fast-break opportunity. Her shot went off the post.

"One of the girls who missed her fast break was my sister so I had her do a squat against the wall for a couple of minutes so she can think about what she did," Makana Whitford said. "That's how they learn."

Added Minnie Whitford: "My sister's the coach so I get it a little harder, but it's OK. It pushes me more."

Rosie Jaffurs and Taniya Sifton each added three goals for Kahuku. Six other Red Raiders scored one.

"Everybody was kind of on their game today, so it was a good game for us," said Ahue, a senior. "The swimming was good and we're all just working together."

Starting in the second period, Kahuku repeatedly substituted six swimmers at a time.

"I have a lot of kids who have been playing since they were 12 years old, and they've been playing together," Makana Whitford said. "They have a lot of experience, they've been around water polo a lot. It's just great I can put in practically anyone and the game can still go forward and we can still keep our lead."

Kahuku had 24 shots on goal, while Kaimuki had 16.

"Kahuku is always a great team with the speed and experience that they have," said Kaimuki head coach Corey Fellezs. "But we played a good game. They did learn a lot from this."

The Bulldogs could have stayed a little closer, but they converted only 1 of 5 power-play opportunities.

"We have to learn how to take advantage of those chances," Fellezs said. "Know where they are, where they aren't and put the ball in the cage."

Keshy Avilla-Coronell scored three goals to lead Kaimuki. Three other players had one each.