Tuesday night saw two BIIF DII girls volleyball matches take place on the isle’s east side — Parker School at Saint Joseph School and Ka Umeke at Laupahoehoe.
Parker 3 – SJS 0
Despite keeping the score close and making a well-rounded team effort, the SJS volleyball team was swept by Parker during its first home game of the season at the Hilo armory.
The Cardinals came out hard at the start of the first set, building a small lead while capitalizing on errors as the Bulls tried to get it together.
Parker rallied, and took the lead mid-set — pulling further away as its 20-point mark approached.
In the end, the Bulls won 25-17. Briley Ballard led Parker’s offense with four kills — trailed by Sophia Scholz and Acacia Blyth with two apiece. On SJS’ side, Michaela Costales had two aces and Hailey Polido had two kills.
The Bulls were much more dominant during the second set, taking an early lead and maintaining it all the way. The Cardinals chipped away at Parker’s lead a bit, but not soon enough to avoid the 25-16 loss.
Ballard notched a few more kills as well as two aces, and Charlotte Sommerhoff also stepped up with three kills for Parker. Polido continued to be SJS’ front-line force with three more kills. Kirra Low led the Cardinals’ defense with three digs.
Parker took another early lead in the third set, but the Cardinals kept fighting and nearly tied the score before the Bulls won 25-22. Ballard recorded another three kills, and Costales led SJS with three kills and an ace. Scholz had two aces for Parker — and Sommerhoff had two digs and two blocks.
Now 2-0, the Bulls will face their toughest test yet at 6 p.m. Thursday when they host cross-town rival Hawaii Prep (2-0).
The Cardinals will continue to chase their first win with a Friday night road match at Honoka‘a HS.
Laupahoehoe 3 – Ka Umeke 0
The Seasiders moved to 2-0 with a home sweep of Ka Umeke.
The game was Ka Umeke’s first-ever girls volleyball game, as the school debuted its team at the start of this season.
Laupahoehoe won in straight sets of 25-12, 25-12 and 25-17.
Both teams will play again this week.
The Seasiders will host Ka‘u HS (1-0) on Friday night. At 10 a.m. Saturday morning, Ka Umeke will play its first ever home game — hosting Christian Liberty Academy at Kawanakoa Gym in Keaukaha.
