HILO – It’s back to the drawing board at Konawaena – for the reserves.
The Wildcats have no issues with their starters.
Deep and athletic, Konawaena made that apparent Monday night after Hilo tied the match during a spirited second set. In the third set the Wildcats were overpowering, winning the contest 25-19, 24-26, 25-13 to pick up the BIIF victory.
“In every game I had a different lineup,” Wildcats coach Ainsley Keawekane said. “I haven’t quite found the lineup I want to use in every aspect of our setup.”
The Game 3 lineup took control midway through the third set. With McKayla Ventura serving, Konawaena (3-0) reeled off nine consecutive points, including three courtesy of Ventura aces.
As the Vikings (1-1) began to fare better defensively against Chanelle Molina, match point perhaps best showcased the Wildcats’ firepower, depth and versatility.
McKenna Ventura dug a ball and Celena Molina made a crisp set for Chanelle Molina, who pounded a ball that was dug nicely by the Vikings. But Ihi Victor was at the net to send it back for an exclamation point.
“I wanted to give some other girls a chance and see if they could finish it, but obviously they didn’t,” Keawekane said of the second set.
He said the third set spoke for itself.
Whether Celena Molina was setting her sister Chanelle Molina, McKenna Ventura or Rashai Kailiwai, or taking hits herself, Hilo didn’t have an answer.
“I tell the girls that even if you don’t play (well), you can succeed if you play smart,” Keawekane said. “One thing about this team is I have some athletes.”
Kawai Ua helped the Vikings (1-1) stay in the match, both at outside hitter and with her serving. Ua cranked three kills in the second set to help offset seven by Chanelle Molina.
Hilo trailed 18-11 but stormed back after a flurry of hitting errors by Konawaena gave the Vikings a 25-24 lead. Chasati Babagay’s kill tied the match.
Before Hilo could blink in Game 3 the Wildcats already led 7-1, behind two aces from Celena Molina and kills by Chanelle Molina and Kailiwai.
“They play like they want it all the time,” Hilo coach Drew Fernandez said of the Wildcats. “Even if they screw up they pick it up.”
Keawekane couldn’t help but notice that Waiakea coaches and players had a strong presence at the match. The Wildcats will be back in Hilo to face the Warriors on Sept. 8.
The Vikings face a quick turnaround and visit Waiakea on Tuesday.
“We need to get a lot better,” Fernandez said.