LIHU‘E — The Island School Voyagers hosted the Kaua‘i High School Red Raiders Wednesday night at the Island School Gym. The Red Raiders came into the contest with a 1-1 record on the season and did not disappoint as they
LIHU‘E — The Island School Voyagers hosted the Kaua‘i High School Red Raiders Wednesday night at the Island School Gym. The Red Raiders came into the contest with a 1-1 record on the season and did not disappoint as they moved forward, defeating the Voyagers in straight sets, 25-22, 25-16 and 25-18.
The first set remained tight throughout with the lead changing hands seven times. Island School would not go away quietly as they trailed for the majority of the set.
The Voyagers eventually battled to take a 22-21 lead late in the set.
The Red Raiders had its back against the wall and they responded via a block and kill by Kawehi Louis-Diamond, along with an unforced error by Island School that would put Kaua‘i up 24-22. With the game in the balance Ashley Ramelb aced the final serve of the set to give Kaua‘i the narrow 25-22 win and the very important 1-0 lead in the match.
Unfortunately for Island School, the first set would be as close as they would come to victory as Kaua‘i came out solid for the second set. Although trailing, the Voyagers had its opportunities throughout the set despite a large number of unforced errors. Kaua‘i would lock down the set by a Joni Hashizume ace and yet another Louis-Diamond kill.
The third and final set appeared, at first, that the Red Raiders would run away with it, however the Voyagers never gave in, eventually getting the score as close as 20-17. The effort was all for not as a solid Kaua‘i defense and serve would put the Voyagers away 25-18.
Kaua‘i got solid play from GIian Gregorio, Jondee Rivera, Kristle Henry and Tahra Kaui.
The win puts Kaua‘i at 2-1 on the year, and sets up a rematch against the Waimea Menehune on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the Waimea High School Gym.
Island School will host Kapa‘a on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
In junior varsity action the Red Raiders took down the Voyagers in straight sets, 25-9, 25-7, 25-10.
In Waimea, the Menehune hosted the Kapa‘a Warriors Wednesday night. The Menehune went into the contest with a 2-0 record and was looking to extend its winning streak against the 1-1 Warriors. Waimea was able to accomplish just that as they took down Kapa‘a in three sets, 25-13, 25-7 and 25-20.
In junior varsity action the Warriors beat the Menehune in three sets, 25-15, 25-14, 25-16.
The Menehune will play host to the Kaua‘i High School Red Raiders Saturday for a much anticipated rematch.
The Kapa‘a Warriors will travel to Island School Saturday and try to get back in the win column.
• Rick Killeen, sports writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or sports@thegardenisland.com. Follow Rick on Twitter @RickKilleen.
