Red Raiders finished them off with one emphatic block. Kaua’i’s Red Raiders are not yet ready to call this a season. By beating the Kapa’a Warriors last night at Kapa’a 15-8, 15-13, they still have a chance to win the
Red Raiders finished them off with one emphatic block.
Kaua’i’s Red Raiders are not yet ready to call this a season.
By beating the Kapa’a Warriors last night at Kapa’a 15-8, 15-13, they still have a chance to win the second round and take KIF honors, as well.
But for the Warriors, this loss means Saturday is their last KIF game. What was a three-way KIF battle has now boiled down to two.
The Red Raiders came out blazing in the first, last night, led by the impressive net play of both Kamu Kawaihalau and Jason Sahara.
The two were impenetrable up front. It seemed that every time Sahara was positioned as a middle blocker, the Warriors could do no harm. Likewise, whenever Kawaihalu found a good set at the net, a Red Raider point was inevitable.
Kaua’i jumped to a 10-5 first-game lead, and despite a short-lived Warrior run, the Red Raiders prevailed, 15-8.
Kapa’a came back in the second, chipping into a 4-1 Red Raider lead with two Clesson Higashi aces and two Ben Kuhaulua kills.
They would extend this lead to 11-8, but after Garrett Danner questioned a call and received the dreaded red card, the Warrior momentum was lost.
Kawaihalau stepped up big-time, smacking down three consecutive kills which eventually tied the game at 12 a piece.
The Warriors fought hard to reclaim the lead, but Red Raiders Aukai Dennis and Jon Arakaki finished them off with one emphatic block.
The Red Raiders are now in contention for second round honors. If Kapa’sa beats Waimea this Saturday, Kaua’i will automatically win the round and a playoff with Waimea will ensue for the KIF title.
