One Molina down, but still two to go – the rest of the BIIF isn’t out of the woods just yet.
The departure of Chanelle Molina, the most decorated female athlete in BIIF history, is sure to have an impact on the Konawaena volleyball and basketball programs, but like any good sisters, Celena and Cherilyn Molina are still around to fill the void.
Especially in volleyball, it’s Celena Molina’s turn to shine, and coach Ainsley Keawekane already has noticed a difference in the senior’s demeanor.
“Chanelle was really dynamic and helped set the pace,” Keawekane said, “but Celena is really stepping up and being a leader.
“Without Chanelle, it’s almost like the other girls know they have to grow.”
Chanelle Molina isn’t the only departure – McKenna Ventura was a key piece at middle blocker – but she casts the largest shadow. Molina was a two-time BIIF Player of the Year at outside hitter and led the Wildcats to two HHSAA Division II championships (in her second favorite sport, no less).
“That certainly will make a change, but they will still be strong,” Hawaii Prep coach Sharon Peterson.
Konawaena figures to hum along thanks to a roster full of players who also compete with Keawekane’s club team, Hoopa Hawaii. Keawekane was worried about his team’s lack of size until it posted a strong finish at the Southern California Volleyball Association Summer Soirée, finishing third.
Celena Molina is a natural fit at setter, making all-BIIF last season as Konawaena ran through D-I teams, going undefeated in the Blue division. By necessity this season, the Wildcats will need Molina to take a fare share of swings at outside hitter as well.
“She likes to be in control at setter and run the (offense),” Keawekane. “She is most comfortable there.
“I kind leave it up to her, but sometimes she has to hit.”
Juniors McKayla Ventura and Cherilyn Molina will move into drastically different roles at outside hitter. Each was listed at 5 feet, 4 inches last season, primarily playing on the back row.
“Even though they are not the tallest, they are very skilled,” Keawekane said.
Senior Mahie Kaawa also can set, and senior Ha’ena Keawekane returns to play libero.
For all the skill the Wildcats have lost, there is a fine addition as well in freshman Anastasia Tuifau, a middle blocker.
“Very raw but very athletic, maybe 5-9 or 5-10,” Keawekane said.
Keawekane brought volleyball to prominence at Konawaena, also coaching the boys to a BIIF title last season, and that’s a dual role Peterson has been thriving in at HPA for a decade.
The Ka Makani girls have advanced to the past 10 HHSAA tournaments, and Peterson was encouraged by the team’s performance at Waiakea’s preseason tournament.
“Our starting level is higher than I thought it was,” she said, “It was nice to see.
“The tournament was just what we needed.”
Ka Makani return four players from last season, and the headliner is junior middle blocker Madi Lee, a 6-footer who gives HPA length at the net. Sophomore Gemma Palleschi also will take swings at outside hitter, and both liberos, junior Julia Perry and senior Vanessa Gary, have experience.
“Just before the tournament, we got a couple of new players on the team, sight unseen, and that will help to make us a little taller,” Peterson said.
While Hawaii Prep opens its BIIF season Wednesday at home against Hilo (6 p.m. varsity), Konawaena will play at Kamehameha-Maui’s preseason tournament Thursday-Saturday, and its first league contest is Aug. 25 at HPA.
Pahoa has joined HPA and Konawaena at states two of the past three seasons. Among the key returnees for the Daggers is senior Tapenga Orevillo.