KAILUA-KONA – In one of the best games of the year in BIIF volleyball, it all came down to momentum.
In the end, Hawaii Prep had momentum on their side last in Tuesday’s contest against Kealakehe, allowing Ka Makani to emerge victorious after a five-set thriller: 12-25, 25-8, 25-22, 12-25, 15-12.
“I knew it was going to be a tough match, but I didn’t realize the momentum was going to swing that much,” said Hawaii Prep head coach Daena Craven.
Down 11-10 in the decisive fifth set, Ka Makani scored the final five points of the night to seal the win. A Hawaii Prep victory was far from certain after the Waveriders dominated the fourth set, capped by a Teysha-Rey Spinney-Kuahuia kill.
“Our goal was to try to hold onto (the momentum) and also try to slow down number 3 (Spinney-Kuahuia),” said Craven of the team’s strategy going into the fifth set. “She was such a force.”
When the momentum swung in their direction, Ka Makani had a handful of players appear unstoppable as well, led by senior Parker Lewis and sophomore Margot Lewis, who each racked up 14 kills on the night.
Hawaii Prep’s strong serving proved to be crucial as well. Mya Pinkert sealed Ka Makani’s second-set – where Hawaii Prep won 14 of the final 15 points – with an ace. In addition to her 14 kills, Parker Lewis led Hawaii Prep with seven aces in the contest.
“She’s been wonderful,” Craven said of Lewis. “She’s definitely stepped up into a leadership role, and she works hard. She works really hard in practice. She’s very valuable.”
Pinkert and Maile Imonen were next on the team with four aces apiece, while a number of players peppered in aces of their own throughout the contest.
“One of the things we’ve been working on most is just playing as a team,” said Craven “We’re really trying to emphasize that it’s a team effort: we need everybody. I’m proud of all of them.”
The victory allows Hawaii Prep (7-2) to stay just a half-game behind Konawaena (8-2) in the BIIF Division II standings. The Wildcats defeated Parker Tuesday night.
Ka Makani will host Waiakea (6-2) Friday night, while Kealakehe (5-5) will travel to Pahoa on Friday.
Konawaena def. Parker 25-9, 25-10, 25-5
Kau def. Pahoa 25-13,25-23, 15-18
Monday
Kamehameha def. Waiakea 25-11, 25-8, 21-25, 25-12
Hilo def. Keaau 25-13, 25-16, 25-10
