KEAAU — The Kamehameha Schools Hawaii boys varsity volleyball team won 3-0 over Kealakehe High School on Monday night.
The Warriors won by set scores of 25-15, 25-22, and 25-21.
Senior Micah Wana was a threat throughout the match, leading KSH with eight kills. Close behind were classmate Nauhikapakea Liwis and sophomore Kullen Pua with six kills each, trailed by junior Kahilikuikalai Paleka with five kills.
Despite the victory, KSH head coach Sam Thomas said that he still saw room for improvement in order for the Warriors to meet their championship ambitions.
“It was a little rough,” he said. “We couldn’t practice because of spring break and other activities. We were kind of rusty, and honestly, we were lucky to get away with the sweep. Kealakehe put up a good fight.”
Other contributors to KSH’s victory included senior Chandler Matsuyama and junior Lansyn Apigo with four kills each, seniors Makena and Kai Aiona-Agra with three digs apiece and classmate Micah Mahuna with two kills and two aces.
Thomas said that adjusting his lineup to find the right combination of starting players will be key to future success.
“We’re still searching for the right lineup,” he said. “Through our tournament and these few games, we still haven’t really found it.”
Now 3-0, the Warriors will travel to Oahu this weekend to compete in the Hawaii Boys Volleyball Invitational Tournament, hosted by ‘Iolani High School. The tournament will host more than a dozen schools from in-state and the mainland, including Hilo High School and KSH’s sibling school — Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, who defeated KSH in the quarterfinal round of the Division I state championship last year.
Kealakehe will host Keaau High School for its next match, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday.