HILO — Hilo High School’s boys volleyball team defeated Kaiser High School 3-1 on Monday afternoon in the first round of the HHSAA Division I State Playoffs.
The first two sets were intense and closely matched, with the score swinging back and forth.
The Vikings maintained a slim lead for most of the first set — but around the 20-point mark, errors by Hilo tied the score. Soon after, the Cougars won 25-23. The Vikings were led by the hitting of Kaiwalya Kaneta and Maluhia Tandal — who accounted for three and five kills, respectively — boosted by seven assists from Kanoa Pana.
The second set was nearly identical to the first, but ended in a 25-22 Hilo victory. Tandal continued to be a force on the front line with three more kills, and Kaneta served two straight aces. Kaiser contributed to its own downfall with seven errors on the set, including three straight attack errors — which boosted Hilo’s lead from 19-15 to 22-15.
The third set saw the Cougars nearly mount a comeback, but ultimately lose again, 25-17. Tandal notched three more kills, and Paliku Wilson made an impact with five kills. Once again, errors proved to be Kaiser’s weak point. The Cougars made seven more errors to bring their total to 25 for the first three sets.
In the fourth set, Kaiser looked completely deflated — and seemingly allowed Hilo to dominate. The Vikings went on an 11-point scoring streak and briefly maintained a 15-point lead. The Cougars rallied late in the set to reduce their deficit, but Hilo won 25-17.
Tandal led the front line with 14 kills, trailed by Kawai Wilbur Gabriel’s 11 kills and Kaneta’s 10. Pana accounted for 36 assists and four aces, leading the Vikings in both. Kaumuali’i Harmon was a wall on the back line, notching 18 digs — and shocking the crowd with a kick save during the third set.
Hilo will advance to the quarterfinals, traveling Thursday evening to O‘ahu to face No.1 seed Moanalua High School.
If the Vikings lose, they will fall into the fifth-place consolation bracket.
OTHER DI PLAYOFF SCORES
Punahou 3 – Leilehua 0
Roosevelt 3 – Lahainaluna 1
Mililani 3 – Kahuku 0
Mililani will play against No.3 seed Kamehameha Schools – Hawai‘i on Thursday at McKinley High School.
Roosevelt will play against Kamehameha Schools – Kapalama and Punahou will play against Kamehameha Schools – Maui.