KEALAKEKUA – A relaxed Konawaena squad is a dangerous team.
Though they won the first two relatively close sets in their BIIF Division II semifinal contest against Hawaii Prep, the Wildcats displayed just how dangerous they can be in the match-clinching third set of their 25-20, 25-20, 25-16 victory over Ka Makani.
“Our boys, being up 2-0, they felt more energy coming into the third set; you could tell they had more energy,” said Konawaena assistant coach Ainsley Keawekane. “We just told the boys to have fun. Have more fun, talk more out there, enjoy the game.”
A 10-1 run in the middle of the set put the Wildcats up 16-5 and effectively ended any chance of a Ka Makani comeback. The win not only sealed a spot in Wednesday’s BIIF Division II championship, but also clinched a berth in the HHSAA State Tournament.
Seniors Aiden Allred and Tevita Lavaka were key contributors in Konawaena’s match-clinching third set. Allred led the team with 12 kills and a pair of aces throughout the night, while Levaka added 10 kills and two blocks. Sophomore Travis Nakamoto recorded 31 assists.
Awaiting the 8-0 Wildcats in the BIIF D-II championship will be Pahoa, who defeated Ka’u 25-19. 25-15, 25-18 in Monday’s other semifinal contest.
Konawaena and Pahoa will square off at Waiakea High School at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
In Puna, Kailen Kamakeeaina smacked 15 kills with nine digs and hit .400, and Chris Kaawaloa-Alidon added six kills as Pahoa swept Ka’u 25-19, 25-15, 25-18 to reach the Division II championship game and lock down a state berth.
Kealiikoa Reyes-Nalu led the Trojans (5-4) with 14 kills and Micah Espejo had 10, but Ka’u was outhit .238-.058.
Pahoa (6-2) finished with 15 aces, six off the arm of Jheyden Haili, advancing to face Konawaena at 5 p.m. Wednesday in the final at Konawaena.