Kona clinches inaugural victory in Founder's Cup lacrosse tournament on Big Island
Revamped Recap: Konawaena Lacrosse Breaks Through with Historic Victory
After a grueling ten-year journey, Konawaena Lacrosse exploded onto the state scene, claiming the inaugural Founder's Cup for club lacrosse in Hawaii.
Victory came in the form of an exhilarating 12-12 battle, with the Wildcats ultimately edging out Kapiolani's Town in the title match. It was their first taste of state glory, culminating a remarkable saga that saw them reach six championship finals since debuting as a program in 2015.
Star players like Dylan Nonaka, Theron Harnage, and Goose Gagnon led the Wildcats' charge, fueling their motivation with years of fallen opportunities. Nonaka expressed his joy and relief:
"I've been playing since eighth grade. We gave it our all, and I'm proud to say we finally got the job done."
Likewise, Harnage applauded the resilience his team showed over the years:
"We watched each other improve. Losing felt painful, but it molded us into a championship team."
The Wildcats navigated challenging obstacles during their title run, including a nail-biting encounter against Kapiolani's Town where both teams were locked at 4-4 at half-time. The contest unfolded as a see-saw thriller, forcing the Wildcats to dig deep to claim the ultimate prize.
Nonaka, Harnage, and others delivered crucial goals down the stretch, ensuring the Wildcats emerged victorious in the end.
Coach Dan Curran lauded his team's heroic effort and adaptability in overcoming setbacks:
"That was one of the toughest games I've ever seen. But our players showed true heart, and they managed to pull through in the end."
Curran also paid tribute to eighth-grader Mason Nonaka, who demonstrated remarkable promise donning the goalie's gear for just three months.
"Mason stepped up big when we needed him. Considering his short time in goal, he showed incredible potential."
With two victories on the Big Island, Curran believes his team's achievement could inspire a new generation of young lacrosse players:
"This sets a precedent for Big Island lacrosse. We hope it will lure more kids into the sport and help establish Konawaena as an elite, championship-winning program."
In the shadows of their celebrated victory, Konawaena's lacrosse stars offered heartfelt gratitude to their coaches for their unwavering support:
"Our coaches never gave up on us. They pushed us, and we came out on top," Nonaka said. "I can't thank them enough for all they've done."
"Our coaches not only created better players, but also brilliant human beings," Harnage added.
As the Wildcats bask in the glow of their historic achievement, the greater lacrosse community has taken notice. The pressure is on to maintain their status as a formidable force in the sport, but judging by their unyielding spirit, the Got the Cup spirit is infectious, inspiring a new era of unparalleled success.
Footnotes:[1] West Hawaii Today. (n.d.). Sports: Konawaena lacrosse wins its first state championship. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://west hawaiitoday.com/sports/2023/04/19/sports-konawaena-lacrosse-wins-its-first-state-championship/.
[2] Hawaii Lacrosse Association. (n.d.). Founder’s Cup Tournament Schedule. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://hawaiialacrosse.com/events/founders-cup/.
- The victory in the Founder's Cup tournament serves as a testament to Konawaena Lacrosse's relentless pursuit of success, setting the stage for a potential future in European-leagues and the Premier-League.
- Dylan Nonaka, one of the star players, signed off his lacrosse journey with a sigh of relief, acknowledging years of hard work culminating in their historic victory in sports like football or soccer.
- Konawaena's win over Kapiolani's Town reignited the passion for sports amongst the younger generation, encouraging more children to take up lacrosse on the Big Island.
- The team's journey to victory was not without challenges, requiring performances comparable to the top teams in European-leagues, showcasing their adaptability and readiness to answer the call at any moment.
- The Wildcats' momentous victory has brought immense pride to their school and Kapiolani, a city with a rich sports history, creating a sigh of satisfaction amongst residents who have witnessed the rise of an extraordinary team.
