Danica Auna knows not to take anything for granted.

The Kahuku senior had her run of O'ahu Interscholastic Association wrestling titles stopped at three after she was upset by Kalani sophomore Megan Yamaguchi at Saturday's OIA Individual Championships.

"It was a heartbreak," said Auna, who competes at 120 pounds. "But I'm using it as motivation for states."

Auna will get her shot at redemption starting tomorrow at the Chevron Wrestling State Championships at Blaisdell Arena.

Tomorrow's competition begins at 11 a.m. and will include qualifying, preliminary and quarterfinals rounds as well as two consolation rounds. Saturday's semifinals begin at 10:30 a.m. Two more consolation rounds will follow before the girls' finals at 4 p.m. and the boys' finals at 6 p.m.

Auna is in an unfamiliar position of underdog this time around. She won league titles in her freshman and sophomore years, but finished second in the state tournament each time. She did anything but hang her head.

"She's one of the hardest workers I've got," said Kahuku coach Reggie Torres. "It's never been a question of focus; she just has to prepare herself better mentally before a match."

After winning the OIA title at 125 pounds last season, Auna broke through with her first state title.

But Auna acknowledges she's had to work even harder this season.

"It's really hard to defend your title," she said. "Everybody knows you're the state champ and everyone wants to beat you."

Auna, who defeated Yamaguchi at the OIA Eastern Division Championships three weeks ago, is unseeded and on the same side of the bracket as No. 2 seed Reiko Campos, the Interscholastic League of Honolulu champion from Kamehameha, and No. 3 seed Kayla Giannotto, the Maui Interscholastic League champion from Baldwin. Another contender, 'Aiea's Joy Yamashita, won the OIA title at 114 pounds as a freshman last season.

Yamaguchi is the top seed while Hilo's Judy Heger, the Big Island Interscholastic Federation champion, is No. 4.

"That's definitely a tough weight class," said Torres. "I think 114 and 125 is also tough."

CHAMPIONS RETURN

Konawaena's Renee Michell, who competed for Kealekehe last season, is back to defend her 98-pound title. She is the top seed while Farrington's Taylor Ibera, the OIA champion, is the No. 2 seed.

'Iolani's Keiko Akamine is the defending state champion and No. 1 seed at 103 pounds.

Akamine's teammate, Megan Morisada, who won at 114 pounds last season and 108 in 2006, is unseeded after losing to Punahou freshman Chrissy Chow in the ILH final. Morisada, along with OIA champion Chaelynn Tan of Kapolei and BIIF champion Courtney Tsuchiyama of Waiakea are in the same side of the bracket.

Farrington senior Tani Ader is looking for her third state title in as many years. She won at 114 pounds as a sophomore and 120 last year. Ader is the No. 1 seed at 125 pounds while Kamehameha's Kelia Parilla is the second seed.

Baldwin's Pi'ikea Kalalau, who won at 130 pounds last season, moved up to 140, where she is the top seed. Punahou's Ilima-Lei MacFarlane, who finished second last season at 155, is also in Kalalau's bracket. OIA champion Ku'uipo Badayos of Mililani is the second seed.

BATTLE FOR THE TITLE

Farrington won its second state title last season, riding a trio of state titlists to the team championship.

But, two of the three — Samantha Batoon and Ashlee Lilo — have graduated, leaving Ader as the Govs' lone returning state champion.

However, Farrington has entries in eight of the 11 weight classes. Kahuku, Kapolei, Campbell, 'Iolani and Kamehameha also figure to be in the running.

"At first, it seemed like 'Iolani — from preseason — they were the top team, but Kamehameha won the ILH," said Torres. "They'll be a team to look out for. Campbell came out of the wood works, too."

The Sabers finished second to Kahuku in the OIA.

"At states, it's about who can avoid the upsets and get some upsets," said Torres.

Kahuku and 'Iolani have eight entries while Kapolei, Campbell and Kamehameha have nine.

Said Torres: "We expect a battle."

Reach Kalani Takase at ktakase@honoluluadvertiser.com.