Kapaa’s Alfiler earns
top soccer honor

Andrea Alfiler was a walk-on for the Azusa Pacific women's soccer team five years ago. Three matches into her freshman season, she was a starter.

Tuesday, Alfiler was named the Golden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

A Kapaa High School graduate, she is a two-time NAIA first-team All-American (1998, 1999) and has earned all-GSAC honors four times.

The 5-foot-7 midfielder has contributed 19 goals and 19 assists to the Cougars' offense during her career, but her work in the middle of the field is what draws attention.

"Andrea is a physical and intimidating player whose presence can change a game," said APU coach Jason Surrell. "That is what we lacked at the national tournament last year, so it's nice to add that again."

Alfiler took the 2000 season off for personal reasons. She trained hard last summer and was ready for the 2001 season, a year in which she has been a force for the 13-1 Cougars.

The Cougars finished the regular season with nine consecutive shutouts, not allowing a goal for 897 minutes. APU will host regional play next weekend with the goal of reaching the national tournament at St. Charles, Mo.

"There is no pressure with the streak. That's something that's cool to think about, but our main focus is winning the national championship again," said Alfiler.

Alfiler had 20 points for the 1998 national championship team as a sophomore.

Being named conference player of the year caught her by surprise.

"It usually goes to the goal scorers. I was flattered. It was great. All day long I kind of smiled whenever I thought about it. It's a cool recognition to have," Alfiler said.

Surrell was named GSAC Coach of the Year.

When Alfiler walked into the athletic office, the other coaches pointed out that he had a lot of help from a certain midfielder.

"That was a nice compliment," said Alfiler, who plays more of an offensive role from her center midfield position.

A physical education major, she wants to teach and coach after graduation with the ultimate goal of coaching at the collegiate level.

She plans to remain on the mainland because there are more opportunities to gain the experience necessary to join the college coaching ranks.

Wahine close season with second-place finish

The Hawaii Wahine split-squad sailing team finished second and seventh at the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate Yacht Racing Womens Fall Championship at Newport Beach, Calif., over the weekend.

Marin Diskant, Renee DeCurtis, Jennifer Warnock and Sarah Hitchcock sailed for UH1, which finished second behind UC-Irvine.

Mililani gets express bus to home football games

TheBus has added a new football express trip from the Mililani Park and Ride lot at Ukuwai Street for home football games.

The ride costs $3 per trip and leaves at 3:15, 4 and 4:30 p.m. Return trips leave Aloha Stadium approximately 15 minutes after the game ends.