The Kahuku girls team defeated Hilo 23-17 Saturday to win the Hawaii Girls HS championship.

Hilo came into the final having won the last three state championships. Bolstered by some talent from Kona, such as Maraea Guzman, Kapoina Bailey, Nayeli Kahalewai, and Erica Larsen, the Reign defeated Kalihi 21-12 in Friday's semifinal.

Kahuku needed to win on penalty kicks over Kamehameha Friday to make the final, after the game ended tied 15-15.

Inthe final, the game was back-and-forth. Hilo took a 7-0 lead byt Kahuku fought back to lead 10-7. In a thrilling second half, Kahuku pulled away 18-7, but Hilo scored twice to make it 18-17 with five minutes to go. With it all on a knife edge, Kahuku scored one more to seal it 23-17.

Photos courtesy Mana Mo'o.