KEAAU – The idea was to bring together some of the smaller schools in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation for a preseason boys volleyball tournament.
That Ka’u prevailed at the inaugural Big Island under 300 wasn’t a surprise. The Trojans do just fine when they’re stacked up against the big schools.
This season, coach Joshua Ortega returns just three players with varsity experience, and the headliner is reigning BIIF Division II Player of the Year Kai Enriques.
“He’s bring wellness and sureness,” Ortega said after Ka’u finished 6-0 at the Christian Liberty-hosted tournament.
Ortega is responsible for both of the BIIF titles won in recent memory at Ka’u. He won a girls volleyball title in 2012 behind Marley Strand-Nicolaisen, and Enriques led the Trojans to their first boys title last season.
Ortega said both outside hitters bring something similar: a security blanket.
The Trojans may need him this season more than ever.
“Last season we had a lot of experienced players. This year we have seniors with no experience,” Ortega said. “A lot of them look up to Kai and Brian (Gascon).
“We’re a lot fresher this year. We have to work hard.”
Gascon was an All-BIIF performer last season who will handle the setting duties. The Trojans also will look for Joven Padrigo to assume a bigger role as the No. 2 option at outside hitter.
Padrigo started last season on the junior varsity, but by the end of the season he was playing a key role as the Trojans eked out a five-set victory against Honokaa in the BIIF final.
“I’m trying to help every single one of them out so that I can try and make them better,” Enriques said.
“The other returnees help a lot, too. Joven is becoming a better hitter and has a big job this season.”
Volleyball is the Enriques ohana sport – Kai’s cousins Emmett, Avery and Addison play for Kamehameha – but Kai said he’s never tried to live up to the family name.
“Maybe this year,” he said. “My family likes to compete a lot.”
Ortega says he’s already noticed a difference in Enriques’ attitude.
“He’s usually nonchalant, but this year he’s way more fired-up,” Ortega said.
Like Ka’u, Honokaa also is ushering in a slew of new players into its lineup. Hawaii Prep, under coach Sharon Peterson, will try to bounce back after being routed by the Trojans in the BIIF semifinals last season.
“Everyone says we’re the team to beat, but Sharon always has something up her sleeve,” Ortega said. “They are going to come for it. They are always right there for it.”
Ka’u beat Laupahoehoe in the Big Island under 300 final. The Seasiders finished with a 3-3 record, as did Christian Liberty. Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino was 0-6.
Christian Liberty athletic director Gary Oertel said he hopes to make the tournament an annual date on the preseason calender.
The regular season opens Tuesday with CLA visiting Waiakea, Hilo going to Kamehameha and Ehunui visiting Pahoa.
