By Blake Watson

Coming in third didn’t sit well with the Father Duenas Friars, or their Coach Keith Dickson, as the maroon and gold handled business for the second time in less than two weeks against the Tiyan Titans, who are rocking very confusing as they continue to dress in the Southern Dolphin color scheme.

The Friars handily defeated the Titans 9-0 Monday at the Leo Palace Field to advance to the semifinals Wednesday evening at GFA where they will once again face the Harvest Eagles. The JFK Islanders and Southern Dolphins picked up Monday quarterfinals wins, and the two will meet in the 5 pm semifinals game while the Friars and Eagles will square off at 7 pm.

Starting off strong.

First half play from Father Duenas started off with a jolt as three players found the back of the net in the first 5 minutes of action. Friars Xavier Naputi, Josh Calvo, and Kyle Halehale quickly put the Titans in a big hole.

The Friars come out locked in and aggressive and they were able to move the ball through the defense at will. FD did well to create opportunities throughout the front line. The Friar offensive front dominated time of possession throughout. The dashing duo of Joshua Calvo and Kyle Halehale combined for four first half points to help the Friars to a comfortable 5-0 halftime lead.

The Tiyan Titan defense had no answer for the cataclysmic camaraderie on display from FD.

“Team Chemistry was really the focus. We saw it a lot this game, and hope to carry into the next one,” said Aiden Dickson who turned in 2 goals on the day.

The Friars aren’t ready for another early exit like last year, as Xavier Naputi added “It’s the playoffs now and if we lose we go home, and we’re not ready to go home yet.”

Either way, the Friars picked up right where they left off to start the second half.

The FD Friars shared the love in the second half as the scoring surge continued. Vince Cruz got in on the action finding the back of the nylon, three minutes after the second half whistle. Josh Calvo and Kyle Halehale BOTH score again, to tally a hat trick a piece. The Frairs out gunned the Tiyan Titans in search for redemption as they were aware they would be facing the Eagles in the second round.

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