KEALAKEKUA — Konawaena and Kohala boys volleyball squared off Wednesday night in Ellison Onizuka Gymnasium, with the Wildcats handling the Cowboys in four sets — 25-27, 25-14, 25-16 and 25-14. Kona stayed unbeaten in the early season, while Kohala earned its third loss.
The Cowboys pushed the Wildcats in the opening set, winning the frame thanks to its stout blocking defense at the net. Outside hitters Layden Kauka, Kainoa Lactaoen and Jayden Hook produced a healthy amount of spikes for points for the yellow and black.
But Kona responded immediately in the following set, as the offense of Travis Nakamoto, Ellison Morgan and Elijah Morgan was able to get the Wildcats back in the contest with their at-the-net chemistry. From there, the south Kona squad never looked back, and won the remaining three frames.
Kona (4-0) will resume action in a road match against Christian Liberty Academy at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Kea‘au. Kohala (1-3) will also next play the Canefire at 11 a.m. Saturday in Kea‘au.
JV: Kona won in three sets — 25-22, 19-25 and 16-14.
PAHOA 3, HPA 0
Pahoa boys volleyball beat Hawaii Prep Academy in straight sets Wednesday in Pahoa town — 25-21, 25-16 and 25-18. With the win, the Daggers remain unbeaten in 2024.
Pahoa (3-0) will be tested again tonight at 5 p.m. against Makua Lani at home. HPA (1-2) will return to the court against CLA at 6 p.m. Monday in Castle Gym.
HONOKA‘A 3, KANU 1
Honoka‘a boys volleyball beat Kanu o ka ‘Aina on Wednesday in the Dragons’ gymnasium.
Honoka‘a won the first set 25-16 and 25-22 in the following frame. Kanu broke through in the third set by winning 25-20, but the Dragons cleaned things up and won a close final set of 25-22.
Honoka‘a will return to action against Ka Umeke at 5 p.m. tonight at home. Kanu (0-5) will try to get its first win against Ka‘u at 10 a.m. April 6 in Waimea.