Waiakea is taking the typical one-game-at-a-time philosophy, but don’t accuse Ashley Hanohano of coach-speak.
Waiakea is taking the typical one-game-at-a-time philosophy, but don’t accuse Ashley Hanohano of coach-speak.
The phrase may be cliche, but this season it carries more cache.
The BIIF schedule-makers are cutting right to the chase in Division I girls volleyball. First up for the Warriors on Aug. 19 at home is none other than five-time BIIF Division I girls champion Kamehameha.
“The BIIF wasn’t playing (around),” Hanohano said.
She is quick to point out Kamehameha did not start its run on her watch — as a player. Hanohano’s St. Joseph’s teams won three consecutive titles just before Kamehameha’s existence.
As a coach, the Warriors made strides in Hanohano’s first two seasons, ending a three-year HHSAA drought last year by beating Hilo in the BIIF semifinals, before succumbing to Kamehameha in the final.
“It wasn’t really organized,” senior co-captain Casi Gacusana said of her freshman season under a different coaching staff. “This team, with this coaching staff, things are more disciplined and structured.
“I feel like this year we’re stronger in many ways.”
Hanohano jokes that the amount of talent Kamehameha is trying to replace (Kaiu Ahuna and Zoe Leonard, just to name a few) is well-advertised.
“I think it’s on a billboard somewhere,” she said.
Still, she’s much more concerned with all that Waiakea is bringing back.
“Our style has always been defense first and we’re keeping it that way,” Hanohano said. “During the first two weeks of practice we work on defense, we don’t even worry about hitting.”
Senior Kadara Marshall specializes in both. Sprinkled in among four Kamehameha players (three who graduated), Marshall was the lone middle blocker and lone Waiakea player to make all-BIIF last season.
“Her blocking is outstanding and she brings a focus and is a good leader for the team,” Hanohano said of the soon-to-be four-year starter. “She’s a smarter hitter, and she works very well with our setters.”
Senior Hiilei Ishii-Chaves set a lot last season, but Hanohano calls the position a three-headed monster of sorts with junior Taniah Ayap and Cadolyn Kahauolopua, a freshman who is Waiakea’s tallest player at 5 feet, 11 inches.
In addition to Marshall, among the other options at No. 1 hitter are sophomore Kayla Kahauolopua and Kakano Maikui.
“Kayla started last season and Kakano is a big right-side hitter and one of the smartest hitters that we have,” Hanohano said.
The biggest hole to fill comes with the graduation of athletic middle blocker Monique Apuakehau. Cassie Emnase will move up from junior varsity to help fill the void and Brianna Ridgway is a transfer from Pahoa.
Both liberos are seasoned: senior Gacusana and sophomore Jordan Hayashi.
“They’re not afraid to get hit and they want the ball,” Hanohano said.
Preseason
Expecting a return visit to states and with a trip to Maui on the horizon later in the month, Waiakea will try to pay some bills by hosting its third annual girls volleyball tournament, which runs Thursday through Saturday at its gym.
Kamehameha is in the field, but two-time defending HHSAA Division II champion Konawaena won’t return, instead opting to compete in the Ann Kang Volleyball Invitational, hosted by Iolani School on Oahu.
Also in the Waiakea field are Hilo, Pahoa, Ka‘u, Kealakehe, St. Joseph, Honokaa and Hawaii Prep. Pool play starts at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
“Our big goal (at the tournament) is that we work hard,” Gacusana said. “We are only worried about us.”
She’s also taking it one game at a time.
“We’re looking forward to playing Kamehameha,” Gacusana said. “Our big goal (this season) is to win states, and that starts with BIIFs.”