• These girls are good! These girls are good! By Duane Shimogawa – The Garden Island If you missed out on the Kaua‘i Challenge Volleyball Invitational, which ran from Thursday to yesterday, you’d better cross your fingers that you’ll get
• These girls are good!
These girls are good!
By Duane Shimogawa – The Garden Island
If you missed out on the Kaua‘i Challenge Volleyball Invitational, which ran from Thursday to yesterday, you’d better cross your fingers that you’ll get a seat or a space to watch the upcoming KIF girls volleyball season because these girls are that good!
From top to bottom, the three high school volleyball teams that played are well-balanced and extremely well-coached, and barring injury should go far.
First: The Kaua‘i High School Red Raider squad. They were the defending Kaua‘i Challenge champs who gave OIA powerhouse Roosevelt all that team could handle at this year’s tournament. The ladies in red are also favored to win this year’s KIF crown, with head coach Rich Roberts at the helm. The team has a slew of talented underclassmen, too. Kehau Judd and Tina Moger come into the season battle-tested and hungry to defend their KIF crown. Setter Ho‘onani Dennis has hands as soft as cotton and will be the key to the Red Raiders’ success this season.
Another underclassman, Auika Muragin will be counted on to perform for Kaua‘i High School and if her tournament play was any indication of how she will do in the regular season, then the Raiders are in good hands with the multi-talented star.
Rosalyn Rapozo, Trisha Niau, and Erin Fabro will have to take on the challenge of being the steady role players, who will keep the team consistent and steady.
Next, the Waimea Menehune, coached by Walter “Steady as a rocking chair” Souza. This team plays tough, consistent volleyball, with heavy hitting. Anchored by “Banana” Kajiwara, the volleyball blue machine seem to have enough fuel to upset the Red Raiders.
The Menehune played competitive throughout the tournament and even gave third-place Pearl City a tough time with a three set juggernaut.
Look for Waimea to be the surprise team in the KIF this year, even with Mallorie Hepa possibly out for at least a part of the beginning of the season.
Last, but not least, the Kapa‘a Warriors and head coach Kaipo Kealalio are young, cocky, and ready to contend for the KIF title this year.
State High jump champ, Jennifer Lindsey, the tallest player in the league, will be counted on to lead the squad in the offensive department. Sophomore Brittney Carvalho brings her effervescent smile to the Kapa‘a line-up that boasts talent and height. The only question here is if the Warriors can gel and play together as a cohesive unit.
The Warriors excelled in the Kaua‘i Challenge, despite injuries and finished in fourth-place, giving Pearl City a tough time.
All the coaches and players from off-island and the Mainland, who played in this year’s Kaua‘i Challenge Volleyball Invitational should be proud, for all played against teams that are not only competitive, but respectful.
Watching the tournament from Thursday through Saturday was enjoyable and fun.
There wasn’t even a hint of unsportsmanlike play before, during, or even after the games.
And it’s no secret that teams are already on the waiting list for next year’s tournament. The reasons: For one, of course, teams want to visit our beautiful island, but more importantly. In addition, the competitive spirit and the great sportsmanship shown are also big reasons why they want to come back to take the Kaua‘i Challenge.
Kaua‘i head coaches Kealalio, Roberts, and Souza have built up programs that make watching girls’ volleyball fun. Reserve your seats now at one of the three gyms, because with this tournament’s reputation seats are going to be hard to find!
Duane Shimogawa, Sports Editor can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) and kauaisports@pulitzer.net
