KEALAKEKUA — Tuesday night’s volleyball match in Kealakekua was billed as two unbeaten Big Island Interscholastic Federation powerhouses colliding, but Konawaena proved that it is once again the team to beat, making quick work of visiting Waiakea 25-10, 25-16 at Ellison Onizuka Gym.
“We had practice (Monday) even though it was a holiday and I told the girls we do not have holidays when we are preparing,” Konawaena coach Ainsley Keawekane said. “We had a good practice and I knew we were ready heading into the game. I am very proud of how we played.”
Konawaena (5-0) jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the opening set thanks to three kills by multisport phenom Chanelle Molina. The Wildcats pushed their lead out even further behind the service game of libero Ha’ena Keawekane, taking a 9-3 advantage.
Waiakea (4-1) managed to prolong a few plays, with most of their points coming off shots hit out of bounds by Konawaena. The Wildcats continued to pour on points as the rain came pouring down outside. McKenna Ventura picked up several kill points and a point of a block, and Cherilyn Molina showed pinpoint aim at the service line. Celena Molina, playing on her birthday, set up the big bangers.
The team surprised Celena Molina with a gym wide singing of “Happy Birthday” before the match, and Coach Keawekana said the setter was extra motivated because she did not want to lose on her special day.
Up 1-0 in the match, the second set started out just like the first. Chanelle Molina picking up a quick kill and Ha’ena Keawekane served for four straight points to put Konawaena up 6-1. Chanelle Molina then showed her versatility, picking up a few of points off serve. Meanwhile, Waiakea continued to struggling putting together consecutive points.
With Ventura at the line, Taiana Tolleson put a shot through a Warrior double block to put the Wildcats up by 12.
Waiakea won the next point on defense. Then behind the service game of Taniah Ayap, and points off a block and kill by Brianna Ridgeway, the Warriors were able to put their first run together, scoring four straight points before Konawaena’s Rashai Kailiwai ended the run with a cross-court kill. The Wildcats led 17-9.
Waiakea cut the deficit to six thanks to a ball hit into the net by Konawaena. After the Wildcats won the point back, Ha’ena Keawekana entered the game to serve, and Konawaena got back on track, taking a nine point advantage.
The Waiakea backline did a good job digging the ball on serves and kills, providing a lot of long rallies late, but the Wildcat net players proved to be too strong at the end.
