KAPA’A — Going in to the game, everyone expected a much tougher challenge from Kaua’i, but without the services of its two top guns, the Warrior girls took full advantage with a three set win, (25-17, 25-16, 25-14) which clinched
KAPA’A — Going in to the game, everyone expected a much tougher challenge from Kaua’i, but without the services of its two top guns, the Warrior girls took full advantage with a three set win, (25-17, 25-16, 25-14) which clinched the first round title last night at the Bernice Hundley Gymnasium.
Kapa’a utilized its strengths throughout the night, with Joliann Arzadon, Amniesty Ragsac, Brittney Carvalho, and Poe Gantt leading the way.
Kennilyn Nakamura also contributed to the Warrior attack, which seemed to impress head coach Kaipo Kealalio III.
“It was a great win, but I’d like four more (wins),” Kealalio III said.
On the other side, the Red Raiders were playing without seniors Tina Moger and Kehau Judd. Moger sat out of the contest entirely, because of back spasms. Meanwhile, Judd, who suffered from a cold, played sparingly, but wasn’t able to help her squad keep its first round hopes alive.
“(We have) no excuses, Kapa’a had a good first round. They were very consistent and didn’t commit a lot of mistakes,” Kaua’i head coach Rich Roberts said.
In the absence of their two stars, the Red Raiders were able to let their inexperienced players get some key playing time.
Sophomores Maliana Hamada and Kara Cummings, along with senior Lezlie Tao got to see more action as the game carried on.
In the boys’ match, Kapa’a took the first set, 25-17, behind the heavy hitting from Lyndon Pascual, Nate Borales, Chaz Galvez, Kaina Kahaunaele, and Henry Borges. Danny Rodrick continued his consistent pace at the setter’s position for the Warriors. However, Kaua’i nudged back in the second set, 25-22. Clesson Lee, Jordan Cox, and Ryan Nagaoka led the Red Raider charge in the second stanza.
Due to an early deadline, the entirety of the boys’ match wasn’t able to make today’s edition. However, look for the results in Friday’s sports section.
KIF volleyball continues on Saturday, with Waimea traveling to the Raiderdome to face Kaua’i. The first game begins at 5 p.m.
