Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s four-set volleyball loss Friday night could be to Honokaa’s gain.
Hilo defeated Ka Makani 25-18, 26-24, 15-25, 30-28 at Kawananakoa gym in Keaukaha, dropping HPA out of a tie for first place in Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division II.
The Dragons (6-4) head to Ka‘u (5-5) today in their regular-season finale with a chance to earn their first trip to the Hawaii High School Athletic Association tournament since 2008.
If the Trojans prevail and all three teams finish 6-5, Ka‘u would take the tiebreaker — by virtue of wins against HPA and Honokaa — and grab the top seed in the BIIF playoffs. Only an outright regular-season champion punches an automatic berth to states.
Pahoa (4-6) can wrap up the final spot in the semifinals today when it hosts Kohala (3-7).
In Division I, the Vikings finished 9-2 heading into the semifinals, where they will face Waiakea (10-1) on April 25. Kamehameha (11-0), which already owns one of two state spots in D-I, and Kealakehe (6-5) play in the other semifinal at the Waveriders’ gym.
Also Friday, Keaau claimed its first victory of the season, beating Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino 25-14, 25-19, 25-12.
By Stephens Media Hawaii sources