Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) boys volleyball continued over the weekend across the isle.
KA ‘UMEKE 3, CHRISTIAN LIBERTY 2
Ka ‘Umeke and the Canefire battled through a five-set nailbiter on Saturday morning in Kea‘au, which ended with Ka ‘Umeke earning its second win on the season and breaking out of a tie with CLA for the No. 8 standing in BIIF Division II.
Every single set was neck-and-neck. Ka ‘Umeke got the upper hand early with wins on 25-23 and 25-22 for the first two sets. But, the Canefire persisted, and responded right back, winning sets three and four by twin scores of 25-23.
It all came down to the short set, which saw Ka ‘Umeke prevail once again, 15-12, for its first victory in over a month.
Now 2-5 with two outings remaining, Ka ‘Umeke could be looking at its first-ever BIIF playoff appearance if it can remain within the top eight teams in the league. Ka ‘Umeke’s next outing and senior night will be a tough one, as the small Hawaiian immersion charter school will take on undefeated defending BIIF DII champion Konawaena High (8-0) on Tuesday in Keaukaha.
However, Ka ‘Umeke’s regular season finale will undoubtedly be an exciting one — as it clashes with the only other Hawaiian immersion school in the league, Kanu ‘o ka ‘Aina (1-7), for the first time this season — on Saturday morning in Waimea.
Now 1-6 and stuck in a five-game skid, Christian Liberty will need to add some wins in order to re-enter playoff contention. Luckily for the Canefire, three matchups remain before the end of the regular season — and two of them are very winnable. Tonight, CLA will host Kanu, then will travel Wednesday to face powerhouse Ka‘u High (7-1) in Pahala. The Canefire will return to the Old Mill Fieldhouse for senior night on Friday to face Makua Lani Christian (0-9).
KS-HAWAI‘I 3, WAIAKEA 0
KS-Hawai‘i’s boys volleyball team won its fourth straight, sweeping visiting Waiakea High in sets of 25-15, 25-15 again and 25-21 to happily conclude its senior night on Friday in Kea‘au.
KSH’s fielded a well-rounded attack as Nainoa Paio led the way with 12 kills, Kalahikiola Maka‘ike recorded seven, Kullen Pua and Kahilikuikala‘i Paleka each notched six and Andrew Boshard came through with five.
Kalena Launia set up the Warriors’ attack with 26 assists, and Lansyn Apigo defended the back court with a whopping 24 digs. Up front, Pua and Tanoa Latiti combined for seven blocks.
All six of KSH’s seniors played the final set together.
Now 9-1, KSH will close out its season with road matches at Kealakehe today and Hilo on Wednesday.
Waiakea slumped to 2-6, and will need to find success in its final four outings in order to stay in contention for the BIIF DI playoffs. Next up, the Warriors will host Kea‘au High on Tuesday. Waiakea has had a hotly contested rivalry with the Cougars this season, who will also be fighting to improve their record in order to make a run at the postseason.
HILO 3, KEALAKEHE 0
The Vikings won their fifth straight to move to 6-1, rolling through Kealakehe High in straight sets of 25-23, 25-17 and 25-22 on Friday night in Hilo.
Hilo currently rivals KS-Hawai‘i for the BIIF DI throne, and will have its final regular-season encounter with the Warriors on Wednesday in Hilo for its senior night. Hilo and KSH are 1-1 against each other so far this season.
After that, the Vikings will end their season with three road tests — two across town at Waiakea and one at Kea‘au.
The Waveriders dipped to 3-6, and will need to mind their p’s and q’s in order to keep the No. 3 standing. Kealakehe will next play a pair of home games, starting with KSH today and then versus Waiakea a week later. The ‘Riders willend their season on the road at Kea‘au.
HPA/KA ‘UMEKE RESCHEDULED
Hawaii Prep boys volleyball’s home match Friday against ‘Ka Umeke Ka‘eo was rescheduled to to this upcoming Friday at 6 p.m. in Castle Gym.