Based on the score, 'Iolani gave Punahou its toughest game of the year.

Still, the outcome was never in doubt.

Junior Brailey Hirose-Hulbert scored three first-quarter goals, and the tournament's most outstanding player, Shayna Price, also scored three times to lead top-seeded Punahou to its third straight state title with a 9-2 victory over the Raiders yesterday in the final of the Local Motion/HHSAA Girls Water Polo State Championships at Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center at Central Oahu Regional Park.

The Buffanblu (11-0) capped a perfect season with a dominant performance in the state tournament. Punahou outscored its three opponents by a combined score of 40-4.

“;To hold a team like 'Iolani to two goals and none in the second half is right where we want to be,”; Punahou coach Ken Smith said. “;We shut them out in the second half, which made me really happy.”;

Hirose-Hulbert scored all three of her goals in the first 6 minutes and Punahou jumped out to an early 4-0 advantage.

The game seemed headed to a similar finish to the Interscholastic League of Honolulu title game in which Punahou beat 'Iolani 14-1.

However, the Raiders (7-5) stayed in the game, thanks to two goals by sophomore Nicolette Silva. Both goals came with the Raiders having a man advantage as 'Iolani trailed only by three at halftime.

“;I was proud, they played really hard today,”; 'Iolani coach Ian Kusao said. “;Nobody has been able to give Punahou a game all year, so it's good at least that in the state championship we were able to give them a competitive game.”;

'Iolani trailed 5-2 in the third quarter and had multiple chances to get closer. The Raiders failed to convert on one man-up chance and Punahou goalie Courtney Miller came up with two big saves to thwart 'Iolani scoring chances.

“;Defense has always been our strength, and our goalie was huge,”; Hirose-Hulbert said.

Brailey's sister, Chauncey Hirose-Hulbert, and Megan Steele dealt the decisive blow with back-to-back goals in the final minute of the third quarter to put Punahou up five.

Abby Yosaitis scored early in the fourth quarter and Price finished the scoring with her third goal with 1:52 left for the final margin.

“;It's a different team every year, so each year is special for the girls,”; said Smith, who has guided Punahou to five of the seven state championships since the tournament was first held in 2004. “;The bottom line is it's just hard work, and I've got girls who train really hard.”;

Erica Butters made five saves for 'Iolani, which advanced to the state title game for the second time.

“;We showed a lot of resiliency after going down 4-0, and the girls battled back and made it a game,”; Kusao said. “;We battled and I was happy with the way they played in the last game of the season.”;