The Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Division II boys volleyball playoffs began Thursday night on the leeward side of the island, setting up the quarterfinal matchups this afternoon. Semifinals will take place Monday, followed by the championship match at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Hilo High School.
HONOKA‘A 3, HPA 1
No. 7 seed Honoka‘a boys volleyball had a successful business trip Thursday night in Waimea — upsetting No. 6 Hawaii Preparatory Academy in four competitive sets in the opening round of the BIIF DII tournament.
Honoka‘a won the first two sets by scores of 27-25 and 25-23, mainly due to the Dragons’ pristine passing to set up senior star Kupa‘a Langan for open looks at the net — resulting in a plethora of easy points.
But Ka Makani wasn’t ready to lie down, as it rallied in the third set to avoid the sweep, winning 25-18. HPA picked up its sense of urgency and held a comfortable lead throughout the frame.
However, Honoka‘a regrouped and closed the match with a 25-19 fourth-set win to seal the deal.
Now with their tickets punched to the quarterfinals, the Dragons will take on No. 3 Ka‘u at 4 p.m. this afternoon in Pahala. The winner will play in the semifinals at 6 p.m. Monday night against second-seeded Pahoa in Pahoa town. The Daggers earned a double-bye due to their regular season record.
PARKER 3, KANU 0
No. 5 Parker boys volleyball wasted no time in its opening first-round DII matchup Thursday in Waimea — sweeping No. 8 Kanu o ka ‘Aina in quick fashion by scores of 25-19, 25-16 and 25-19.
With the win, the Bulls will advance to the quarterfinals against No. 4 Kohala at 4 p.m. Saturday in Kapaau. The winner will then play division powerhouse No. 1 Konawaena at 6 p.m. Monday in Kealakekua in the semifinals. The Wildcats earned a semifinal berth after finishing first overall in the DII standings.
While Kanu fell short, the Waimea team has much to be proud of — as this was the first season in which it has qualified for the BIIF tournament, per Scoring Live’s records.