The Lunas are pictured in action against Baldwin High School. PHOTO BY GLEN PASCUAL.

LAHAINA — The West Side spirit of camaraderie and perseverance shone brightly once again as the Lahainaluna High School girls soccer team completed the 2022-2023 season.

Lady Lunas head coach Sky Delaney praised the players, coaches, school staff and families for their consistent support despite what he described as a “rough season.”

“Through it all, the team showed great strength with their positive attitude playing in the Maui Interscholastic League that had three of the top ten teams in the state rankings,” said Coach Sky last week. “The team always displayed positive expectations and attitude during every practice and every game.”

The team bid a sincere thank you and goodbye to graduating seniors Charisse Abut, Ailyn Rendon, Makenzie Alexander, Jaylee Llego, Makena Murphy, Sara Nidasio, Odalys Rodriguez and Leticia Donatz.

“Charisse, Ailyn and Makena have been a part of the team since their freshmen year, and Makenzie joined us this year and was stellar as our starting keeper,” said Coach Sky.

The junior class was represented this year by team captains Mekayla Bandy, Cecelia Steiner, and Nelly Garcia Olea, as well as classmates Jaylee Llego and Kyleen Arroyo Haro.

Sophomores were represented by captain Ihi Clark and classmates Alissa Skolnick, Mia Pinedo, Natalie Sa and Imani Caserta. First-year players included Faith Cabanilla, Whitney DeGama, Cora Gruber, Samantha Abut, Virginia Grande and Yazmin Ornelas.

“Mahalo to all the parents for their support throughout the season, including fundraisers and efforts to support towards preseason tournaments. Particularly to Laurie Lei and Alton DeGama for preparing bentos after every game, as well as to Kari Alexander, Heather Cabanilla, Rick and Mel Bandy and to all of the committed parents.”

“Mahalos to our athletic trainers, Michael Griffo and Schuyler Withington, for their care for the student-athletes throughout the season, as well as Mike’s preseason weight training and plyometrics, which had a real positive effect on limiting injuries. To Addy Reith, our team manager, mahalos for your help in keeping statistics, field arrangements, building morale as a great presence during practice and games.”

Coach Sky also expressed appreciation to Lahaina Intermediate School Principal Stacy Bookland for their annual support in providing preseason practice facilities; Athletic Director Jon Conrad for his constant support and availability; Sam Aki, Pablo Rico and the boys team for their support; Glen Pascual for providing photos throughout the season; and to MIL referees for dedicating their time and effort to ensure the matches are safe and fair.

“Also, special thank you to assistant coach Jackie Ellis for being such a training resource on the pitch as well as a positive resource to this group off the pitch,” Coach Sky concluded.

The Lahainaluna High School boys soccer team fought through the 2022-23 Maui Interscholastic League schedule — that included match-ups with defending state champion King Kekaulike — to finish the season in fourth place in the final standings.

Guided by the coaching staff of Sam Aki, Pablo Rico and Adopho Cruz Garcia, the Lunas finished with a 3-7 record against the tough MIL competition that included several of the state’s top programs.

According to assistant coach Rico, this season proved to be a wake up call to inspire the young Lunas to make the sincere commitment to dedicate themselves to improving and preparing for next season.

“This year was a wake up call for all of us to work hard and get excited for next season. We will rebuild as a young team with the same work ethic and dedication as the football team,” said Coach Rico, who recently returned to Maui after earning an Associate’s Degree from Chabot College in the San Francisco Bay area, where he played for the football team on the offensive line and as placekicker.

The Lunas were led by seniors Aaron Diaz, Hugo Perez, Luis Gonzalez, Manuel Ochoad and Jacob Ramos; and juniors Owen Garcia, Adrian Cardenas, Guiness Ruiz-Rockett, and Juan Carlos Ruiz. Andy Diaz was the lone sophomore on the roster.

The freshmen class was well-represented on this Lahainaluna team by Brandon Cruz, Daniel Medrano, Ethan Landes, Gael Pedroza, Joseph Arcangel, Junior Murillo, Kekoa Mueller, Marques Ruiz, Ricardo Solano Cardenas and Brian Escobedo Ardieu.

Coach Rico praised the positive energy that was constantly displayed by Arcangel, as well as the encouragement that came from Ruiz-Rockett despite being injured.

“I admire him (Ruiz-Rockett) for supporting the team and promoting team unity; we encouraged this, and he came through. We also appreciate the effort of Diaz with his positive energy and big heart to lift the team, as well as the contributions of coach Stephen Pedroza with the speed and quickness training he provided.”

“We also appreciate the commitment and support of all the parents, the school staff, the athletic trainers Michael Griffo and Schuyler Withington, and the guidance of AD Jon Conrad,” said Coach Rico. Thank you to all!“