Since the start of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) girls volleyball season, Kealakehe first-year head coach Mervlyn Simmons has preached hard work, communication and togetherness to her squad to be core staples of success in 2023.
On Thursday night at Kealakehe gym against Hilo, although falling short, the Waveriders did just that. Kealakehe dove on the floor for digs, blocked shots at the net and recorded multiple aces in the serve department to stay competitive with the Vikings — but Hilo’s strong hitting and passing guided it to a 25-20, 25-12 and 25-17 victory.
“We played with a lot more intensity and teamwork that we brought to the table,” Simmons told West Hawaii Today postgame. “I think (this game) showed what our true potential and what we can look forward to in the future.”
Thursday was the second time the Waveriders have matched up with the Vikings, where they additionally fell short on Sept. 12 at Hilo Armory. The two schools will face off once more in regular season play on October 11, right before playoffs begin.
While Kealakehe currently stands at 0-8 and in the cellar of the BIIF Division I standings, stellar improvement from the Waveriders has been on display each match. Kealakehe will have a second go at all of its previous oppoents to close out the last few weeks of regular season play.
The Waveriders will next play Kea‘au at 10 a.m. Saturday at home. The Vikings, now 5-2 and second in D-I standings, will head to Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i (KSH) at 6 p.m. Monday for a clash between the conference’s best.
JV score: Hilo 2, Kealakehe 0 (25-11, 25-11)
KSH downs Kea‘au
The Kamehameha Schools – Hawai‘i volleyball team continued its dominant season, routing Kea‘au HS 3-0 on the Cougars’ home court.
The Warriors won in straight sets of 25-4, 25-8 and 25-18 — and were able to give their starters some much-needed rest while their backups got some playing time.
KSH was strong on defense, as usual, combining for total 50 digs. Maela Honma led with ten digs, followed by Ziona Launiu with nine and Shay Beals with eight.
Sofia Quiacusan and Honma led the Warriors’ offense with six kills each, trailed by Beals with five kills. Hali‘imaileauli‘I Kuamo‘o set the Warriors’ offense up for success — recording 18 assists.
The Warriors also excelled at serving, notching 13 aces — with Kamaile Carvalho, Honma and Beals each recording three.
KSH has now moved to 10-0 in BIIF play and 21-5 overall. Kea‘au fell to 1-5, but is still out of the bottom standing — which is held by Kealakehe HS (0-6).
The Cougars and Waveriders will have their second matchup of the week — and final encounter of the season — at 11 a.m. Saturday at Kealakehe HS.
The Warriors will play their final home game at 6 p.m. Monday against Hilo HS. JV score — KSH 2 – Kea‘au 0 (25-8, 25-13).