Moanalua's Austin Matautia led the way with 15 kills in a Na Menehune sweep of Kalaheo. Peter Caldwell | SL

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KAILUA—Moanalua (1-0) swept Kalaheo (0-1), 25-18, 26-24 in an Oahu Interscholastic Association East opener for both teams at the Mustangs' gym on Monday night.

"We were sloppy and we have a lot of things to clean up," said Moanalua coach Alan Cabanting. "As we figure out where everyone goes, I think the transition will be a lot smoother."

Moanalua held a 3-point lead throughout the first set and began to pull away late. Austin Matautia placed back-to-back kills to put the Na Menehune up, 23-16 and a service ace to end the set. Matautia had 15 kills for the game—six kills in the first set and nine kills in the second set.

"He got more shots now and hitting it over people and hitting over people putting up gigantic blocks. It's not the old Austin hitting it straight down, he's chipping away and he's figuring it out. When there are no blockers, he's ripping at the ball. His game is maturing and his shots are getting cleaner," said Cabanting, on Matautia.

Naia Singlehurst led Kalaheo with seven kills in the first set and finished with a team-high 12 kills, while Kainoa Peterson added nine kills for the game. Kupaa Harrison tallied 16 assists for the Mustangs.

"They played great. We have to focus on our passing, but together we can accomplish anything and they are the backbone of the team," said first-year Kalaheo coach Stahl Allen.

Kalaheo took an early lead in the second set and managed to tie the game late at 19 after Peterson's kill. Both teams traded points and the Mustangs took the lead, 22-21 after Seyj Engleman hit it out of bounds. Moanalua scored three-straight points after Matautia's kill, but Harrison tied the game at 24. The Na Menehune pulled off the win after Engleman's kill and Daniel Beaton hit the ball into the net.

"With the group we have on the court and the experience they have, when push comes to shove. The guys who were on there made plays and they did and they've been in that situation before. They were able to talk it out and communicate, they're trying to figure out what to do," said Cabanting.

"I told them to dig deep and never let the ball drop and just play all out and leave it on the court. But we came up short, it's okay it's a learning process and we're going to get better eventually," said Allen.

"Kalaheo sort of knew where the ball was going, everyone had to do their role. I think our team came through in the end," said Matautia. "I told them to take a deep breath and focus because the game could've gone to a third set if we made the wrong mistake."

Zach Kagehiro led Moanalua with 19 assists and added two aces.

"Very hittable balls and they're putting in nice hits, now we have to convert and execute. Early in the season, the execution is not going to be as crisp so I'm happy with what came out today and what we need to work on. I have to give it to Kalaheo, they gave us a fight and did well," said Cabanting.

Moanalua will play Farrington on Wednesday, Mar. 11 at 6:30 p.m. while Kalaheo plays at Roosevelt on the same night and same time.