KAILUA-KONA – From the very beginning, the Vikings were in total control.
In Tuesday’s BIIF Semifinal at Kealakehe High School, Hilo opened on a 10-1 run and never looked back. The Vikings took the match 25-8, 25-12, 25-8 to earn a spot in Wednesday’s BIIF D-I Championship.
“We have to make sure we play our level of volleyball,” said Hilo head coach Kaleinani Kahananui. “We have to make sure we had a good run, get our serves in, everything like that. The team did really well executing that today.”
Junior middle blocker Kyana Gabriel and sophomore outside hitter Kalikokupuna Kealoha led the way with eight kills apiece, followed by sophomore outside hitter Julea Manarpac with six. Senior rightside hitter Nevaeh Silva recorded seven aces, six of which came on a decisive 14-0 third-set run.
“Serving is crucial,” said Kahananui. “For the past week, we’ve actually been drilling our girls to serve consistently… From the beginning of the season until now, it was a game-changer.”
Hilo notched a total of 14 aces throughout the match compared to just one for Kealakehe. Kealoha had four aces, good for second on the team behind Silva.
Kealakehe briefly led early in the third set, but ultimately couldn’t contain Hilo’s offense to extend the match. Hilo advances to face Kamehameha in the D-1 final. The Warriors defeated Waiakea 25-17, 25-9, 25-19 Tuesday night.
Elizabeth Warren led the Waveriders with two kills on the night.
“We’ve just got to stay mentally strong and just go out there and give it all we’ve got,” said Kahananui. “We’re going to leave it all on the court.”