Tomita's persistent play pays off
By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer
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The never-give-up attitude that fueled Kaiser senior forward Rachel Tomita was apparent to anyone watching.
Her tenacious play garnered her O'ahu Interscholastic Red East Player of the Year honors in a vote by league coaches.
"She had my vote," Kailua co-head coach Wil Kimura said. "She may not be the fastest or the most skilled, although she is fast and skilled, but she's relentless.
"She will come at you the 10th time harder than the first time. And she's clean."
Tomita was second in the OIA Red East with nine goals, scoring against every opponent this season.
"I like her. I tell my forwards to play like her," Kimura said.
Along with Tomita, Cougar defender Amy Austin was also named to the first team.
Kalani, the OIA Red East champ, placed five on the first team: midfielders Tani Costa, who led the OIA with 19 goals, and Kyla Tamayori; defenders Rosie Chinen and Kara Yamamoto, and goalkeeper Yasmina Taketa, who allowed five goals in 12 regular season games.
"They are a very talented team," Kimura said. "I think they were the most talented team on the East side."
Castle had two first-team selections in forward Shelby Furtado and midfielder Aili MacDonald.
Moanalua forward Tiana Fujimoto, who scored seven goals, Kailua midfielder Kerianne Kubota, who scored five, and Kahuku defender Brianne Huddy complete the first team.
Costa, Huddy and Tomita are repeat selections. It is Huddy's third year on the first team.
Kimura and Kailua co-head coach Kimi Kamiyama and Kalani coach Myles Arakawa were named the Red East co-Coaches of the Year.
Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com.