It was a surprise when the Keaau girls, maybe not to them, captured first place at the first BIIF canoe paddling regatta held at Hilo Bay, where the weather was uncooperative last year.
On an overcast Saturday, the Cougars defeated three-time defending champion Kamehameha, 4:32.84 to 4:36.76, in a half-mile race worthy of note.
The Warriors return three starters in seniors Lahela Rosario and Kaiao Shine and junior Kylee Kubojiri. The Cougars also have three returnees in senior May Ann Tadeo and juniors Hunter Prieto and Tiara Halama.
Both crews are experienced so it’ll be a dogfight at the BIIF championships in two weeks.