WAIMEA — Late in the third set, Hawaii Prep girls volleyball was trying to close out the match.
But Ka Makani was facing a hurdle deep in the frame. Down by as much as 18-11, HPA was facing its biggest deficit of Wednesday night’s season opener against St. Joseph at Castle Gym. The Cardinals adjusted defensively, denying kills left and right with their improved blocking and consistent dives at digs — not giving anything up easily to Ka Makani.
But once HPA (1-0) came out of a late timeout, it looked like a different team from earlier in the set. Ka Makani then went on a 14-4 run to win the frame. With six Morgot Lewis kills, strong Elaina Head serves and adjusted defense at the front of the net, HPA was able to climb back into the set by forcing St. Joseph to make mistakes. Ka Makani completed the straight-sets sweep to win 25-10, 25-9 and 25-22.
“It was important to us to know that we could (complete the third-set comeback),” HPA head coach Daena Craven said postgame. “Just play one point at a time, and I’m glad we were able to do that — St. Joseph is a strong team.”
“I think we just need a little reminder sometimes to pull it together (late in the match),” setter Brooke Samura added. “We had a little bit of an energy fall, but we’re working on staying consistent and upping our energy throughout the game.”
While the final frame of the night was a nailbiter to Ka Makani fans, HPA handled its business in the first two sets. Ka Makani controlled the opening set with stifling defense at the front of the net, with outside hitter Chloe Willman and Samura leading the charge with perfectly-timed blocks to make it difficult for the Cardinals to make a rally.
Outside hitter Mya Pinkert and Lewis were set up nicely by Samura for a series of early-match kills to give HPA momentum. Willman also delivered powerful and consistent serves to help Ka Makani take a commanding early lead.
The second frame was much like the first, with Lewis dominating the set with a multitude of kills and forceful serves to keep HPA’s lead comfortable. Samura continued her consistency of setting teammates up for easy kills in the set victory — setting the table for the exciting closing frame.
“They’re definitely stabilizers (for us),” Craven said of Lewis and Samura’s superb play.
Lewis led Ka Makani with 10 kills, followed by Head’s eight. Lewis also highlighted the defensive side of the court with seven digs. Head led the charge in the serve department with five aces.
While the win feels good for HPA, it is already looking ahead to the next match. Ka Makani will take some of the lessons learned in the opener for better performances down the line.
“We’ll take a few things from tonight and build on them for the next one,” Craven said.
HPA will face off against Kanu o ka ‘Aina at 6 p.m. Tuesday at home for its second regular-season match. Ka Makani will then have a quick turnaround for Thursday’s match against Parker on the road, slated for a 6 p.m. first serve.
Konawaena 3, Kanu o ka ‘Aina 0
Konawaena girls volleyball additionally opened its season Wednesday night against Kanu o ka ‘Aina at home, winning in straight sets with scores of 25-10, 25-7 and 25-15. The convincing victory puts the Wildcats at 1-0 on the season, while Kanu o ka ‘Aina moved to 0-1.
Konawaena’s next regular-season match will be at 6 p.m. next Friday against Pahoa on the road.
Kohala 3, Makua Lani Christian Academy 0
Kohala girls volleyball handled business Wednesday against Makua Lani at home, winning in straight-set fashion — 25-12, 25-16 and 25-16. The Cowboys start the year 1-0 while the Lions go to 0-1.
Kohala will next take on Kanu o ka ‘Aina (0-1) in regular-season play at 10 a.m. Sept. 9 on the road. Makua Lani will travel to Honoka’a to take on the Dragons at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
