In its six previous matches, Punahou swept and wasn’t seriously challenged on the volleyball court.
The Buffanblu had a tough time but defeated Kealakehe 25-13, 25-15, 22-25, 25-14 in the semifinals of the HHSAA Division I tournament on Friday night at Moanalua High’s gym.
Despite the loss, it was the best finish at states in school history for the BIIF champion Waveriders (14-3), who haven’t been to states since 2004.
• KS-Maui def. Kamehameha 25-23, 26-24: Nalu Kahapea went down swinging for the BIIF runner-up Warriors. He had a match-high 11 kills on 24 swings and hit .375.
Isaiah Nakoa-Oness added five kills, and Kamau Makaike had four kills for Kamehameha (13-5), which hit .164.
Ethan James and Iverson Dudoit had six kills each to lead the MIL champion Warriors (15-1), who hit .162.
Division II
• Hawaii Prep def. University 28-26, 21-25, 15-8.
• Kalani def. Konawaena 23-25, 26-24, 15-7.
Stats were not available for the two matches
Water polo
• Punahou 8, Kamehameha 2: The 10-time state champion Buffanblu played tenacious defense and allowed goals only to Lahela Rosario and Kukui Haumea.
Christina Hicks scored three goals, Naia Young-Kingsbury two while Anuhea Ledesma, Dillyn Lietzke, and Victoria Gacutan had one each for Punahou.
