WAIPAHU — The mad dash to catch the team bus almost matched the frenzied pace to score for the Punahou girls soccer team after it allowed an early goal.

The Buffanblu defeated Maui Interscholastic League champion and No. 3-seed Kamehameha-Maui, 4-1, yesterday in the quarterfinals of the JN Automotive Group/HHSAA Girls Division I Soccer State Championships at the Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Stadium.

The team was anxious — "They all made a mad rush," Punahou coach Matt Martinson said — to return to Punahou and catch the preview of the variety show, an annual event held with the Punahou Carnival.

"The distraction of the carnival; it happens," Martinson said. "I don't know if I'd say I was worried. I feel I have a responsibility to keep us focused when it counts. They've showed the ability to change channels when it's game time."

Punahou (11-0-3) advances to play second-seeded Mililani (15-0-1), the O'ahu Interscholastic Association champion, in tonight's semifinal game at 7. King Kekaulike (13-2-1) and No. 1 seed Kamehameha (12-1-2) play in the other semifinal game at 5.

Kamehameha-Maui scored in the second minute on a goal by senior midfielder Jalisa Chong Kee, who received a through pass on the left side of the 18-yard box. Punahou goalkeeper Alana Munger came out to challenge, but the ball bounced out of her possession to Chong Kee, who put it past a Buffanblu who was trying to defend the goal.

"That was one of those things that test a team," Martinson said. "It forced us to settle down and play our game."

The Buffanblu tied the score on a goal by junior midfielder Karli Look, who headed a free kick by senior defender Mari Carmichael in the 20th minute.

Senior defender Jayann Gabrio scored five minutes into the second half to put Punahou ahead to stay.

Gabrio scored after a throw-in from senior midfielder Aisha Price floated to the back, right post and junior midfielder Jaclyn Khil headed it back across the goal to Gabrio, who headed it in.

Look scored her second goal in the 49th minute on an assist from sophomore forward Allyson Holtz. Holtz dribbled into the 18-yard box, cut back at the top of the 6-yard box and passed a diagonal ball back to Look, who shot into the lower left side of the goal.

Punahou freshman midfielder Lauren Stollar capped the scoring in the 78th minute after she controlled a ball near the top of the 18-yard box, beat a defender with a touch and shot into the lower corner of the goal.

"We came out hard and it showed," Kamehameha-Maui coach David Ching said. "But a good team like they are, they kept hammering away and showed why their record is what it is."

KAMEHAMEHA 3, KAPOLEI 0

Kamehameha freshman forward Kauwela Neal scored off a pass from senior midfielder Meleana "Mana" Shim from the endline in the eighth minute. Senior midfielder Amber Fuller and junior forward/midfielder Whitney Thomas also scored goals.

MILILANI 2, KAISER 0

Trojans junior defender Chelsea Miyake scored on a header off a corner kick by senior forward Chelsey Goo just before intermission and senior midfielder Kaitlyn Holt added another goal in the 47th minute on a cross from junior midfielder Sasha Moscatello.

KING KEKAULIKE 2, HILO 1

Senior forward Mia Minkler scored two goals in the first 10 minutes for Na Ali'i. Senior midfielder Becca Hiraishi scored in the 35th minute for the Vikings.