An exciting season awaits us all in KIF girls volleyball this year. All three teams have what it takes to make it the state tournament. Last year’s KIF champions, Kaua‘i High School returns key players at crucial positions. Outside hitters,
An exciting season awaits us all in KIF girls volleyball this year. All three teams have what it takes to make it the state tournament.
Last year’s KIF champions, Kaua‘i High School returns key players at crucial positions. Outside hitters, Kehau Judd and 2003 KIF girls volleyball player of the year, Tina Moger look to continue to pound away at opposing blockers. In addition, senior captain setter Ligaya Malones looks to quarterback a team full of talent.
In the middle though, is where the Red Raiders must make a mark.
“For us, we’ll need to involve our middles (Erin Fabro, Auika Muragin) and play solid team defense,” Kaua‘i High School girls volleyball head coach Rich Roberts said.
And team defense is where all three squads need to emphasize. In the meantime, the Waimea Menehune return lots of experienced individuals and will rely on heavy hitter Nue Wong. Waimea brings not only a lot of experience from KIF play, but club play as well. Seniors Banana Kajiwara, Jessica Jacinto, Mallorie Hepa, Cailee Koga, Faa Taala, Tori Kagawa, and Robyn Arrington collectively have a ton of experience and hope to end their senior campaigns on the volleyball court on a high note. The Menehune also added two Texas transfers in sisters, Desiree and Tialei Agader.
Kapa‘a High School, the dark horse, is loaded with talent, depth, and good height. First-year head coach Kaipo Kealalio Jr. has a lot of young, but talented players and the key for the Warriors is if they can put a complete game together. Kapa‘a does have five seniors and are led by Jennifer Lindsey, the tallest player in the league. Lindsey isn’t only tall, she’s also the reigning state high jump champ.
It’s anybodys game and it’s going to be another exciting season,” Roberts said.
Kaua‘i High School’s squad includes: Captains, Ligaya Malones and Tina Moger, Kehau Judd, Erin Fabro, Ho‘onani Dennis, Jenna Gampon, Jenna Akasaki, Kristen Shim, Auika Muragin, Rosalyn Rapozo, Trisha Niau, and Kara Schumacher. Team manager Lezlie Tao, head coach Rich Roberts and assistant coach Chad Delanoza.
Kapa‘a High School’s team features: Samdi Makepa, Jennifer Lindsey, Brianne States, Carrie Esaki, Joanne Kaona, Amniesty Ragsac, Lauren Baptiste, Joliann Arzadon, Britney Carvalho, Poerava Gant, and Crystine Ito. Team manager Mahina Doo, head coach Kaipo Kealalio Jr. and assistant coaches Milo and Carleen Haneberg, Kekoa Umalla.
Waimea High School’s team consists of Banana Kajiwara, Jessica Jacinto, Nue Wong, Tialei Agader, Mallorie Hepa, Joanna Jacinto, Cailee Koga, Faa Taala, Jessica Jacinto, Sonya Tacub, Jaime Horikawa, Robyn Arrington, Krystal Kelley, Elysse Soto, Kasey Barcelona, and Desiree Agader.
Kapa‘a and Kaua‘i open the season today with JV action starting at 3 p.m. at the Raiderdome.
