By BILL O’REAR
Tribune-Herald sports editor
Junior Keenan Freitas hammered 19 kills, junior Tim Jittu had a late point flurry and fired-up Christian Liberty fought past Konawaena 23-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-21 on Friday night.
The Big Island Interscholastic Federation boys volleyball divisional match was played at Wainaku Gym.
Freitas, a 5-foot-11 outside hitter, fueled the Canefire offense early. He had nine kills in Game 1, but his teammates had a hard time getting started and the visiting Wildcats pulled out a 25-23 win.
However, Christian Liberty started to find its rhythm in Game 2 and the high-flying Freitas got help from his spiking and blocking buddies. Keanu Bergfeld, a 6-4 junior middle blocker, Ray Crawford, a 5-10 junior outside hitter, and the 6-3 Jittu came up with key kills or blocks to add to coach Gary Oertel’s firepower.
The Canefire (2-0) raced to an 8-2 lead over the young Wildcats (1-1). But the visitors battled back behind the sterling play of sophomore Gabriel Trevino and senior Randall Berdon. They took the lead at 15-14 on Berdon’s kill before the teams deadlocked the score four more times, the last at 19-19.
The hosts’ strong serving and play at the net sparked a late run and the hustling Bergfeld’s kill sealed the victory at 25-23, tying the match.
In Game 3, the inspired Canefire continued to play well. Trevino ripped back-to-back kills to lift Konawaena on top 23-22 before Bergfeld had two straight kills to give the hosts a 24-23 advantage. Then the ever-present Freitas crushed the game-winner to make it 25-23 and give Christian Liberty a 2-1 lead.
“We started kind of slow again,” Oertel said. “But I liked Games 3 and 4. We did a lot of good things and had a lot more balance than just Keenen having to do it all.”
In Game 4, Konawaena grabbed a 9-6 lead and appeared ready to push the Canefire to a fifth game. But the hosts regained their composure and led by Freitas, Bergfeld and Crawford, they tied it at 18-18 on a Freitas kill.
Bergfeld, who only started playing volleyball a year ago and had to overcome a broken arm last season, then had back-to-back service aces to make it 20-18.
Jittu, a slender athlete with a quick jump and excellent timing, drilled the first of his four straight points to help Christian Liberty close the match. His first kill made it 21-18, leading to Wildcats coach Kahinu Lee calling a time out.
Then with the Canefire on top 22-19, the confident Jittu hammered another kill, keeping the visitors on the ropes. Jittu answered again with Freitas serving, stretching the cushion to 24-20.
The excited Freitas ripped a jumpserve into the net as Konawaena crept within 24-20. But after a Christian Liberty error made it 24-21, Jittu banged home the final point to hand the hosts the match at 3-1.
“Jittu tends to step up in those situations,” Oertel said. “That’s when he usually plays his best.”
Jittu finished with six kills, but four came in the clutch with Konawaena trying to stay in the match.
Bergfeld followed Freitas with 12 kills and was a tall tower at the net, either blocking or forcing the Wildcats to hit around him.
“Keanu has been playing well,” Oertel said. “We’re really pleased with his progress since he’s only played volleyball for a short time. He’s only getting better and better.”
Crawford had five kills and numerous digs to spark the Canefire defense along with libero Preston Cawagas, a 5-4 senior.
But Christian Liberty’s strong serving proved a potent part of its offense. The hosts had 15 aces compared to the Wildcats’ four. Freitas led with four aces. Crawford and senior setter Joven Miguel each had three and Bergfeld two.
“I also thought Joven got us going in the second and third games with his passing,” Oertel said. “But I’m really pleased with our overall balance.
“In the end, it came down to execution. We did a good job finishing.”
Oertel also praised Konawaena’s effort.
“We saw them play last week in the Kealakehe tournament and they’re playing a lot better,” he said. “They played us tough tonight and I think in our division this year, there are going to be a lot of four- and five-game matches.”
Lee agreed.
“There’s a lot of balance in our division,” the Wildcats coach said. “And with the way the scoring is now, you’d better be on every night or you could get beat.”
Trevino led Konawaena with 15 kills and the high-intensity Berdon chipped in with 12.
Lee has a young squad, with only two seniors — Berdon and setter Kaua Pulotu.
“I’m happy with the team,” said Lee, a former Konawaena multisport star who went on to play volleyball at the University of Hawaii.
“This is the hand I’ve been dealt and we’ll make the best of it. None of these guys play club volleyball. So when I get them, I just try to teach the fundamentals and get them ready physically to play.”
During the matches, Lee constantly stands on the sideline near his team, shouting instructions and encouragement.
“It’s all part of coaching and teaching them,” he said. “I try to be positive and let them know what they’re doing or where they should be playing on the court. We’re going to get better. But the main thing is, we want consistency and ball control.
“We just need to fine-tune in those areas and we should be OK.”
Lee applauded Christian Liberty’s performance.
“Christian Liberty is a tough team,” he said. “They’re one of top three teams in our division. But it’s going to be a competitive year with a lot of close matches.”
On Friday night, the fast-paced match proved to be just that — hard fought all the way and as Oertel pointed out, the team with the better execution prevailed.
But knowing the competitive Lee, he and his Wildcats can hardly wait to get another shot at the Canefire. Until then, both teams should continue to improve and be primed for what could be a marathon match in Kealakekua.
Thursday
Evan Enriques had 21 kills and Daniel Aina had 14 as Kamehameha beat visiting Kohala 25-20, 9-25, and 25-13.
Kealakehe 3, Keaau 0: Taylor Dorr had eight kills, and Jacob Ontiveros added six as the host Waveriders beat the Cougars 25-21, 25-22, 25-21.
Keni Souza tallied 23 assists, and Christian Castro collected 28 digs for Kealakehe.
