Just For Kicks
Local players close out
college careersGABBY Ahmadia finished her career at Humboldt State by leading the 8-11-1 Lumberjacks in scoring with eight goals, three of them game-winners. She also had two assists. The striker from Waiakea finished with 16 career goals, third on HSU's all-time list.
"Gabby had a great career. She was a very dedicated and emotional player, a very exciting and crafty forward, a pleasure to watch," said HSU coach Andrew Cumbo.
"I enjoyed coaching her over the past four years. She developed into a very strong and mature individual and athlete. The women's soccer program will miss Gabby tremendously and we are greatly appreciative of her efforts."
Cherif Guirguis concluded his career at Cal Poly-Pomona by starting 15 of 17 matches for the Broncos. The 6-1 senior striker from Iolani scored one goal and assisted on three others, helping the Broncos improve from 3-15-1 in 2001 to 8-9-1 this year. He put eight of 20 shots on goal.
"Cherif did very well and I would have liked to have coached him longer," said Broncos first-year coach Paul Caligiuri, a former U.S. National Men's Team player. "We need more Hawaiian student-athletes like him."
In this three-year career, Guirguis started 32 of the 48 matches he played. He took 53 shots that resulted in 10 goals. He also had eight assists.
His most productive season came as a junior, when he led the Broncos in scoring with eight goals and was a California Collegiate Athletic Association honorable mention selection.
Kyle Fukuchi, a senior defender for the Washington Huskies, has been named to the Pac-10 All-Academic first team. He has a 3.66 grade-point average and is majoring in business.
On the field, the Mililani graduate started seven of 14 matches for Washington and contributed one goal on nine shots and had one assist.
MIKE SEMENZA started 17 matches for NCAA Division III Willamette. The four-year varsity team member from Punahou scored two goals, including one game-winner, and had an assist for the 6-11-2 Bearcats, who finished fourth in the Northwest Conference.
"Mike was really our unsung hero. He held our midfield together all season long," said Willamette coach Bob Barry.
Jamie Harlor, a senior striker from Leilehua, scored one goal and added an assist for San Diego State. She played in 19 matches for the 13-7-0 Aztecs.
Doug Crowley started three and played in 10 matches for the 11-6-2 Emory Eagles. The senior midfielder from Punahou was credited with three assists. None of his five shots found the back of the net.
Kristin Masunaga only saw action in two matches for the Colorado College Tigers. The senior goalkeeper from Iolani played 36 matches, she posted a 1.18 goals-allowed average and had 13 shutouts, two of which were shared, during her career. She is majoring in economics with a minor in Asian Studies.
"Kristin has been plagued by minor injuries throughout her career but has been an exceptional goalkeeper for us. She was replaced in 2001 after a preseason injury. The freshman who stepped in has been our starter ever since that time," said Tigers coach Greg Ryan.
Just for Kicks runs every other Sunday in the Star-Bulletin.Al Chase can be reached at achase@starbulletin.com