By West Hawaii Today staff
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KEA’AU — Ka‘u boys volleyball opened the year on a high note.

The visitors came to Cougar Gymnasium on Saturday morning to take on Kea‘au, sweeping the hosts in straight sets — 25-16, 25-19, 25-22.

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The Trojans are returning to the floor this season after a successful 2024 campaign, in which they posted a 10-6 overall record and second-place finish in Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Division II — also making the state tournament. Ka‘u (1-0) is looking to exceed that level of success in the new season.

After falling in straight sets of 25-16, 25-22 and 25-19 in Thursday’s season opener at Hilo, the Cougars have dug themselves into an early 0-2 hole to start 2025.

A year ago, the Cougars struggled in BIIF Division I but are looking to turn the tides this season.

The Trojans next voyage north to face Connections at Hilo Armory, with first serve slated for 6 p.m. Tuesday. Kea‘au returns to the floor against Kamehameha Schools-Hawai‘i tonight at 5 p.m. Junior varsity will play first with varsity to follow.

HPA 3, Honoka‘a 1

Hawaii Preparatory Academy boys volleyball also started its season strong — beating rival Honoka‘a in four sets Friday inside Castle Gymnasium.

Ka Makani won a close 25-22 first set, but the Dragons quickly countered with a 25-21 second-set victory. The third frame was a dogfight, but HPA came out on top 26-24.

Looking to put the match away, Ka Makani executed in the fourth set with a 25-20 win. HPA earned its vengeance after falling to Honoka‘a in four sets in last year’s island playoffs. Ka Makani finished 2024 at 5-6, but is aiming to exceed that this season.

The Dragons finished last season losing in the BIIF DII quarterfinals to Ka‘u in five competitive sets.

HPA (1-0) next takes the court against local rival Parker at 5 p.m. tonight inside Castle Gymnasium. Junior varsity will kick things off first.

Honoka‘a (0-1) returns against Kanu at 3 p.m. this afternoon inside Waimea District Gymnasium.

Waiakea 3, Pahoa 2

Waiakea boys volleyball opened its season with a nail-biting win over the Daggers on Wednesday in Pahoa town. The Warriors won in five competitive sets.

Waiakea (1-0) won the first set 25-12, but Pahoa responded by winning the next two —25-20 and 25-18. On the brink of losing, the Warriors dug deep and won a close 25-22 fourth set.

In the deciding fifth set, Waiakea escaped by winning 16-14.

The Warriors went 2-9 a year ago while the Daggers went 7-2 — falling to Ka‘u in the DII island playoffs.

Waiakea’s next match is to be announced, while Pahoa will take the court against Christian Liberty Academy at 5 p.m. Tuesday in Kea‘au.

Other matches

The paper could not obtain results from the following BIIF boys volleyball matches. If any readers have scores, please email clangs@westhawaiitoday.com:

• 2/21 Kohala at Parker