KAILUA-KONA – After one set, Monday’s Kealakehe-Honokaa volleyball match seemed destined to become an instant classic.
The lead changed hands six times in the opening set – with neither side ever leading by more than three points – and the Waveriders ultimately pulled out a 27-25 victory by winning the final three points of the set.
The Dragons simple weren’t ready to match the energy Kealakehe brought to the court to open set number two. Led by senior middle blocker CharlieAnn Narvaez and sophomore outside hitter Jackie Tornes, the Waveriders went on a tear – using separate 10-0 and 7-0 runs – to take control of the match.
Kealakehe ultimately won the second set – arguably their most impressive so far this year – 25-12 and carried that momentum through the third set to earn a 27-25, 25-12, 25-21 sweep over the visiting Dragons.
“It was the best (we’ve played) so far,” said Kealakehe head coach Jaymie Nield. “The reality that this is their last year is starting to hit them. They’re starting to play as if there’s no tomorrow.”
In addition to stellar serving – Narvaez and Tornes combined for 11 aces on the night – Narvaez became a particularly imposing presence on the net for the Waveriders in the second set, recording a handful of blocks as Kealakehe opened up an early 10-1 lead.
As the points began to pile up, an upbeat Waverider team became more and more confident, allowing them to roll through the end of the match.
“Their energy was a lot different from the first set to the second and third set,” added Nield. “They play a lot better when their energy is up.”
Teysha-Rey Spinney-Kuahuia led the Waveriders with six kills on the night, followed by Narvaez and Lina Husek each had four. Narvaez also fired six aces, while Tornes had five and Husek had three.
Kealakehe (3-3) will travel to Kohala (3-3) on Wednesday for their next contest, while Honokaa (3-4) is set to host Waiakea (4-0) Wednesday night.