Round 2 of the KIF volleyball season began last night with close matchups between undefeated Waimea High School and the defending KIF champions, Kapa‘a High School. Waimea’s boys (5-0) won over Kapa‘a (2-3) in five grueling games, 25-15, 25-9, 23-25,
Round 2 of the KIF volleyball season began last night with close matchups between undefeated Waimea High School and the defending KIF champions, Kapa‘a High School.
Waimea’s boys (5-0) won over Kapa‘a (2-3) in five grueling games, 25-15, 25-9, 23-25, 23-25 and 15-7.
Waimea’s Chris Newcomb and Calsen Agrade combined for a total of 24 kills to put a solid offense. Setter Jared Matsumoto contributed with nearly 20 assists. Other big players were Keelan Sakuda and Kevin Chiba combining for seven kills.
But that’s not to say Kapa‘a didn’t have its big plays. Setter Daniel Rodrick averaged at least one service ace per game. Outside hitter Chance Bukoski hit for five kills.
Waimea head coach Tony Magaoay said they key to last night’s win was cutting down their mental mistakes.
“I just told them to put their minds into the game, cut down on mental mistakes and play tough,” he said. “Our strategy going into the game was to serve tough and block tough.”
Kapa‘a head coach Merrill Carvalho applauded his players for their strong showings in Games 3 and 4.
“They played a lot smarter and with a lot more focus. They were hungrier to win and it showed tonight,” Carvalho said. “It showed me they have a lot of character. I just hope we’re mentally ready from the get-go when we play Waimea again.”
Waimea’s girls (5-0) win over Kapa‘a (1-4) was a matchup just as tough as the boys’. Waimea won in four games, 21-25, 25-22, 25-20 and 25-19.
Waimea took the early lead in Game 1 and were close to putting it away. But Kapa‘a kicked it in gear and took the first game. Both teams were pumped and ready to go for Game 2.
That only fueled Waimea to take control. But it wasn’t easy as the two teams battled for point after point. They continued to play close games throughout the night.
Kapa‘a’s Poe Gantt, Mailika Napoleon and Brittney Carvalho hit it big for a combined 25 kills. Waimea’s Nue Wong hit for 15 kills.
Kapa‘a’s head coach Joan Kealalio was glad they were able to step it up against Waimea.
“These girls have gotten a lot better at the basics. They’re top players,” she said. “You need to focus on your own team before you can focus on the other.”
Waimea head coach Chad Delanoza said that despite being undefeated, his players still have to fight for every victory.
“It’s always a tough being ahead,” he said. “You become everyone’s target. I just told the girls we don’t have a secret potion, no secret water or anything. We always have to play hard.”
