Unblemished, untouched, perfect, unstoppable, but more fitting, state champions.
The Kapa’a boys volleyball squad ended their perfect 9-0 season with a division II state title win over Mid-Pacific Institute in three sets, 23-25, 25-20, 25-22, last night at Punahou School.
“Brah it’s awesome. There’s no words to describe it. The boys came back in the third set. They’ve got a lot of heart,” Kapa’a head coach Merrill Carvalho said.
Just before their season, the second-year coach had a parent meeting and he told them that he had a fantasy that the team went to the state tournament and actually won the state championship.
And the fantasy became a reality last night. “For that to come true is The Warriors were led by Kaina Kahaunaele and Kunane Gayagas. The Warriors are coachedreality last night.
“For that to come true is awesome. They played like a team,” Carvalho said.
Senior outside hitter Henry Borges, an emotional leader for the Warriors all season long, came up with the final state championship clinching kill.
“It’s unreal. I don’t even remember what happened (when I hit the ball). It hasn’t sunken in just yet,” Borges said.
Kapa’a might return home on Saturday afternoon, but a friend of the team offered to help them out with a chance to see the University of Hawai’i football team play against Utah State on Saturday night.
“If we’re able to do that, then we’ll probably end up staying until Sunday,” Carvalho said.
The long, exciting journey has come to a joyous ending for the Warriors, who came into the season with high hopes.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone who helped us get here. The Kapa’a community and rest of the island has been just awesome. I just want to dedicate this championship to the whole Island of Kaua’i,” Carvalho said.
Lyndon Pascual, who both put down seven kills each. Danny Rodrick and Pascual added 12 digs apiece.
Pascual also led the Warriors in the blocking department with three roofs.
The difference for Kapa’a was its defense against the ILH school. The Warriors outdug MPI, 52-39 and committed fewer errors as well.
Kapa’a is the only KIF volleyball team to win a state championship.
In 1984, led by Lyman Lacro and Barry Magoay, the Waimea boys volleyball squad made it to the state championship game against Punahou.
However, the Menehune were ousted by the ILH powerhouse for the state title. The title game was played in Kapa’a.
Ironically, Lacro went on to coach Punahou to three straight state championships, from 1994-96. The 2005-06 HHSAA/New City Nissan Division II State Championship team members are Kaina Kahaunaele, Chaz Galvez, Lyndon Pascual, Danny Rodrick, Travis Wakayama, John Berales, Nate Berales, Henry Borges, Ray Chevlin, Waioli Forrest, Chris Ramelb, and
by Merrill Carvalho, Leroy Kaona, and Michelle Carvalho.
Kapa’a girls clinch consolation title
The KIF champion Warrior girls capped off a terrific season with a consolation title win over Konawaena last night at Radford High School’s gymnasium.
Kapa’a triumphed in two sets, 25-19, 25-20. Senior Amniesty Ragsac led the Warriors with five kills. Joliann Arzadon had five digs and Poe Gantt added two blocks.
The Warriors finished their 2005-06 season with a 7-1 overall record.
It was the first time since 1970 for a Kapa’a girls volleyball squad to make it to the state tournament.
The Warriors are coached by Kaipo Kealalio III, Milo and Carleen Haneberg, and Alvin Sasil. All but three girls are returning to play for the Warriors next season.
