WAIMEA — Tori Tuttle broke out in a crucial Game 5 last night in Kapa‘a High School’s five-game win over Waimea High School, 11-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-20 and 15-12. The 6-foot sophomore middle hitter exploded with four of her eight
WAIMEA — Tori Tuttle broke out in a crucial Game 5 last night in Kapa‘a High School’s five-game win over Waimea High School, 11-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-20 and 15-12.
The 6-foot sophomore middle hitter exploded with four of her eight kills in the late game and came up with some huge defensive plays to give Kapa‘a (1-3) the edge over Waimea. Maliana Hamada finished the game with seven kills and Mailika Napoleon tossed up 13 assists.
The first two games of the night easily went to Waimea (2-2). Starting setter Qyla Parangao lead the team to a 15-point lead. Waimea also took advantage of solid serving registering six aces in Game 1 alone. They had five in Game 2.
Momentum seemed to go in Kapa‘a’s favor for the final three games.
In the third, Kapa‘a enjoyed a 10-point lead, the biggest they’ve had over a team so far this season. Napoleon had several key tips and Megan Souza made great digs. A double block by Tuttle and Leihua McCabe sealed the win and brought them to a fourth game.
Tuttle again played a key role in the fourth game picking up on more double blocks. A kill by Kapa‘a’s Destiny Smith was double-blocked out of bounds forcing Game 5.
With the Kapa‘a win, Round 1 of the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation season went to Kaua‘i High School (3-1) who took defeated Waimea on Wednesday. None of the teams are undefeated which means the rest of the season may be up for grabs.
Volleyball is off next week because it was allotted for Round 1 playoffs. Play should resume on Oct. 3 with Kapa‘a hosting Kaua‘i.