Iolani clinches state berth with sweep of Kamehameha

Iolani's Moea Kekauoha puts a kill attempt past the Kamehameha block. Peter Caldwell | SL

The top-ranked Iolani Raiders held off the upset-minded Kamehameha with a 25-23, 25-22 sweep of the home team to run their record to 9-0 and clinch the ILH Division I first round title and a state tournament berth.

Jumping off quickly in the first set, Iolani saw their comfortable lead reduced to 24-23 before closing out the Warriors to take set one. Kamehameha had a stronger second set but the Raiders came up with the big plays down the stretch to take the set and sweep the match.

Moea Kekauoha (nine kills) and Sierra Buscher (eight kills, block) led the winners in kills, feasting on Bailey Choy's solid setting game. Middle Shiloh Pelaras (eight kills and four blocks) and outside Kili Robins (seven kills) were Warrior standouts.

Iolani will take on Punahou in a Friday home match while Kamehameha and Mid-Pacific will square off tomorrow on the Kapalama campus.