KEAAU — Keaau High School and Hilo High School’s boys varsity volleyball teams faced off Wednesday night, resulting in a sweep by the Vikings.
Hilo established its dominance early, starting set one with a 10-point scoring run — which was served by Raiden Ka‘iwa Ware.
The Vikings noted several highlights throughout the remainder of the set — such as Kawai Wilbur Gabriel serving two aces in a row and Mosiah Kolo Walker serving two aces in a row twice. Ka‘iwa Ware had three kills in set one, and Kanoa Pana had two.
Hilo won the first set 25-4.
The Cougars were much more under control in the second set, and trailed the Vikings closely as they inched ahead.
Keaau began to bolster its stats — with Kelson Thomas-Markus noting four kills and Asa Kamakeeaina getting three kills, as well as an ace from Fernando Martinez and a block by Kenneth Teoni.
On Hilo’s side, Makualo‘i Young was a force up front with four kills — and Maluhia Tandal added two kills and an ace.
Despite the competitive fight put up by the Cougars, the Vikings emerged victorious again, 25-16.
Hilo showed its dominance again in the third set. Though Keaau made some plays — such as clutch blocks by Thomas-Markus and Thayne Nakoa — the Vikings quickly built a double-digit lead which the Cougars struggled to shrink.
Hilo led by 13 points at set point, but Keaau held on for a few more rallies before falling 25-14.