The Waimea High School volleyball team punched its ticket to the New City Nissan Girls Volleyball Championship after defeating University in three straight games Friday afternoon in Farrington.
The Menehune won their quarterfinal match 25-19, 19-25, 25-23, 16-25, 15-10 over Hawaii Prep and defeated University in a clean sweep of University Jr. ‘Bows 25-21,25-13,25-15.
“The first match of HPA we were nervous, and in the state tournament, most of our kids haven’t been in that type of arena, so they took a while to get adjusted,” Menehune volleyball coach Brandi Hori-Moises said. “They had to fight through it, and we came together in the fifth game of the quarterfinal match.”
With back-to-back victories in the state competition, Hori-Moises said her team is gaining momentum headed into the championship game against the winner of Damien and Seabury Hall in the championship game at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Moises admits she doesn’t know much about the two potential off-island opponents her team, rated second at state, could face.
“We are gaining momentum and stepping on the gas pedal, and taking control of the game,” Moises said. “Our team peaked together at the right time, and they did it together, and you have to want it and love what you do, and do what you love to even perform against the off-island team like they did tonight.”
Hori-Moises can’t remember the last time the Menehune qualified for the championship match, though she said it was a long time ago.
University Jr. ‘Bows (13-5,2-1) (Kills-aces-blocks) – Ah Yat, Milan 7-0-0; Namohala, Nicole 4-2-2; Carvalho, Robyn 4-0-0; Awai, Lily 4-0-0; Makena Tong, Daphnee 2-0-0; Fautanu, Faith Anna 1-0-0; Fuata, Aaliyah-Marie 1-0-2; Na’auao, Danae 0-2-0; Totals 23-4-2.0. (Assists) – Makena Tong, Daphnee 20. (Dig leaders) – Brennan, Keely-Anne 7; Carvalho, Robyn 7
Waimea Menehunes (13-1,2-0) (Kills-aces-blocks) – Samio, Raelee 17-3-1; Niccore, Kepler 7-0-0; Alquiza, Titi 7-0-0; Bateman, Isabella 3-1-1; Wisneski, Makeyah 3-0-0; Moises, Braeanna 1-2-0; Nakaahiki, Maya 0-1-0; Gummerus, Kierstin 0-2-0; Totals 38-9-1.0. (Assists) – Moises, Braeanna 34. (Dig leaders) – Gummerus, Kierstin 13; Moises, Braeanna 9; Samio, Raelee
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Jason Blasco, sports reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
