WAIMEA — The Waimea High School volleyball team had more to celebrate than their three-set match victory over Kauai High School Friday night at Waimea’s gym.
Waimea, who honored it’s five seniors, during senior night, including Makeyah Wisneski, Isabella Bateman, Taeyler Miyamoto-Malone, Naomi “Maya” Nakaahiki, and Tehani Togioka, were all celebrated after defeating the Red Raiders, but this match wasn’t just a tuneup for the reserves, who don’t usually get playing time, this was a chance to get used to the amplified jubilation associated with a state playoff environment.
The Menehune will play New City Nissan Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division II volleyball state championships on Oahu, Oct. 23 through 26.
Menehune volleyball coach Brandi Hori-Moises was pleased with how the team responded playing against some top-tier KIF teams to maintain their flawless record. The Menehune’s record in the second round is currently 6-0, and they are a perfect 11-0 on the season.
Hori-Moises still doesn’t feel her team yet has played their best volleyball of the season, as they prepare to enter the state competition, which she said will be a different atmosphere than the regular season.
Hori-Moises knows the environment state, will be different.
“I think coming off senior night, and the senior night at Kappa’s gym and Island’s, our team has experienced a lot of ambiances, and a lot of emotion, with a lot of seniors playing their last match,” Hori-Moises said.
All season, the Menehune were able to maintain their perfect season, to capture the KIF crown.
“Throughout our adversity, we’ve faced this season, and our team knows there isn’t one single individual that defines us,” Hori-Moises said. “It’s not about individuality, and you have to rely on your teammates for support and rely on their strength, to balance out your weaknesses, and stuff and this team is good at doing that.”
Making the necessary adaptions from the regular season to the postseason will be critical of the Menehune’s to compete at state.
For Kauai High School, who struggled to win matches throughout the regular season, but were competitive every match they played.
“We really came together towards the end of the season,” Regidor said.
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Jason Blasco, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
