KEALAKEKUA — Konawaena boys volleyball continued its strong start to the season on Wednesday in Kealakekua.
Facing a Parker team that had started out strong itself, the Wildcats handled business — winning 25-6, 25-12 and 25-20 en route to a straight-sets victory.
It was spike galore from the opening serve, as Kona’s pristine passing and chemistry generated a multitude of looks for the offense to put points on the board. The Bulls tried to keep up, but the Wildcats’ firepower offense of Ellison Morgan, Elijah Morgan, Travis Nakamoto and Mana Dias was too much for the Waimea team to handle.
Sitting at 2-0, Kona will try to keep its hot start going against Ka‘u, with first serve scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday on the road. After starting 2024 3-0, Parker (3-1) will look to get back on track against Ka Umeke. First serve is slated for 5 p.m. Tuesday on the road.
Hilo 3, Kealakehe 0
Hilo High’s varsity boys volleyball team swept Kealakehe to open its season with a BIIF Division I win.
The lead bounced back and forth through the first set. With the score tied 22-22 late in the frame, a kill by Palikapu Wilson and two straight errors by the Waveriders pushed the Vikings to victory, 25-22.
Hilo maintained a slim, one-to-three point lead through most of the second set before pulling away in the teens and eventually winning 25-18. The Vikings stayed dominant through the third set for another 25-18 win.
Hilo (1-0) will play its next DI matchup, against Kea‘au High (0-1), tonight at home. JV’s first serve is set for 5 p.m. and varsity will follow.
Now 0-1, the ‘Riders will return to the east side on Saturday morning for a matchup against KS-Hawai‘i (1-0).
JV score: Hilo won 2-0 (29-27, 25-20).
Ka‘u 3., Ka ‘Umeke 1
Ka‘u High opened its season with a road win, defeating Ka ‘Umeke Ka‘eo PCS in a four-set affair on Wednesday in Hilo’s Keaukaha neighborhood.
The Trojans took the lead with a 25-16 first-set win. Ka ‘Umeke responded by winning the second set 26-24.
From there, Ka‘u put the pressure back on — winning the third and fourth sets 25-18 and 25-17, respectively.
Ka ‘Umeke (0-1) will jump back into BIIF Division II action today, traveling to face Makua Lani Christian (0-1) at the Old Kona Airport. Ka ‘Umeke will return to Keaukaha on Tuesday for a home game against Parker School
The Trojans will look to get on a roll this week, as their first home match is slated for 10 a.m. on Saturday against Honoka‘a High (0-1).