KEALAKEKUA — Konawaena girls volleyball opened its season with a warm welcome from the green-and-white faithful, as hundreds packed into Ellison Onizuka Gymnasium to watch the 2023 Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Division II runner-ups take on Kohala.
The Wildcats beat the Cowgirls in straight-sets fashion, but nothing came easy. Kohala got out to an early lead in the opening set, but Kona knocked off the early-season rust soon enough to ultimately win 25-19 — led by impressive blocking and hitting at the net from senior middle blocker Kaitea Galletes. Once Galletes set the tone, everyone else followed, and the Wildcats concluded their first-frame win with freshman outside hitter Keighlyla Kalhele-Alapai spiking the ball from the left side of the net to secure the 25th point.
In the following set, Kona obtained a 20-12 lead, but Kohala ended the interval on an 11-5 run — slimming the deficit to as close as 23-22. The Wildcats were able to regroup and close out the set 25-23, but head coach Ainsley Keawekane called for a brief team meeting during the break in between frames.
Needless to say, the emergency congregation worked, and Kona closed out the Cowgirls with a 25-13 third-set victory to clinch the match.
Starting the year on the right foot, the Wildcats (1-0) will next turn their attention to Kealakehe — hosting the Waveriders at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Ellison Onizuka Gymnasium. Kohala (0-1) will return home to host Makua Lani at 6 p.m. tonight in Kapa‘au.
JV score: Kona wins 2-0; First set: Kona 25, Kohala 21; Second set: Kona 25, Kohala 21.
Parker 3, Honoka‘a 0
Parker girls volleyball began its 2024 regular-season slate with a 3-0 set victory over Honoka‘a on Saturday in Waimea.
The Bulls handily won the first set, 25-11. In the second frame, the Dragons were a little more competitive, but Parker was able to escape 25-18.
To conclude the match, the Bulls closed exactly how they opened — winning the third set 25-11.
Parker starts the year 1-0, while Honoka‘a falls to 0-1. The Bulls will next host Kanu o ka ‘Aina at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Waimea.
The Dragons will enjoy this week off before returning to the court against Hawaii Prep at 6 p.m. Aug. 27 in Honoka‘a town.
JV score: Honoka‘a wins 2-0; First set: Honoka‘a 25, Parker 16; Second set: Honoka‘a 25, Parker 19.
Waiakea 3, Ka‘u 0
Waiakea girls volleyball started 2024 on a high note with a 3-1 set win over BIIF DII squad Ka‘u on Thursday in Hilo.
The two teams battled in the opening set, but the Warriors prevailed with a 26-24 win. In the following frame, the Trojans evened things up with a 25-21 win. Tied at 1-1, Waiakea posted its best set performance of the night with a convincing 25-14 win.
To put the match away, the Warriors won the fourth set, 25-19.
Waiakea (1-0) additionally played BIIF powerhouse Kamehameha Schools-Hawai‘i on Monday at home. See tomorrow’s paper for more details.
Ka‘u (0-1) will seek redemption against Kea‘au at 6 p.m. tonight in the Cougars’ home gymnasium.