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Just For Kicks Al Chase |
Wilson added punch
for MarymountLaura Wilson was part of a 1-2 punch for the Marymount (Arlington, Va.) Saints, who compiled a 9-9-1 record last fall. The junior striker from Hilo led the team with nine goals on 52 shots in 16 matches.
She was a second-team All-Capitol Athletic Conference pick, completing a comeback from an injury that sidelined her in 2002.
"It's been four years since we had one individual score that many goals in a season," said Marymount coach Bob Meden. "This past year we were lucky to not only have one, but two good scorers. The other player had eight goals and an assist for 17 points. There is hope on the horizon.
"Laura is a very talented individual whose skills have not been fully utilized by her teammates or her coach."
Wilson has 11 goals in two seasons at Marymount, good for ninth place on the Saints' career list.
Vito Higgins started in the goal in 14 of Gonzaga's 16 matches, allowed 28 goals and finished with a 2.06 goals-against average. The freshman, who graduated from the Academy of the Pacific and played for Pac-Five, fashioned two shutouts and made 71 saves in 1,222 minutes of action.
Daniel Scott, a freshman defender from King Kekaulike, played in six matches for the 5-10-1 Bulldogs.
Jen Katres had a solid year as a defender in 16 matches for the Missouri Valley College (Marshall, Mo.) Eagles.
"Jen is a player that does very well off the bench. She is extremely intelligent. It is nice to have a player that can observe how the game is going and understand what I am asking her to do when she goes in," said Eagles coach Derek Burton.
The sophomore from Kalaheo had two assists.
"Jen is very much a stay-at-home defender, so any offensive production is a bonus," said Burton.
Brent Nakamura took nine shots and scored once in 15 matches for the Chapman Panthers, an NCAA Division III independent. Darren Lee played in six matches and did not score on his two shots. Both junior midfielders are Punahou grads.
Kyle Kagihara, a sophomore midfielder for the Union College (Schenectady, N.Y.) Dutchmen, played in three matches. The Punahou graduate had one assist for the NCAA Division III school.
Liane Tom, a freshman midfielder from Mililani, started eight of 14 matches for 8-12-1 Boise State and assisted on one Broncos goal.
Justin Green started nine of 15 matches for the NCAA Division III California Lutheran Kingsmen. The sophomore midfielder from King Kekaulike scored once on eight shots. Brandon Higa, a freshman midfielder from Punahou, played in 17 matches for the Kingsmen. He did not score on 11.
Freshmen midfielders/strikers contributed to Azusa Pacific's 13-4-3 record, although the NAIA powerhouse did not reach the national finals for the first time in five seasons after being upset by William Jewel.
Mari Kasamoto (Iolani) and Taryn Apo (Baldwin) saw action in 17 and eight matches, respectively.
Sheri Wilhelm put two of her five shots on goal for 12-5-2 Humboldt State. The freshman midfielder from Hawaii Prep saw action in 19 matches for the Lumberjacks.
See the Columnists section for some past articles. Just for Kicks runs every other Sunday in the Star-Bulletin.
Al Chase can be reached at achase@starbulletin.com
