Ka Ulukoa takes 6th straight Junior National Gold

Ka Ulukoaʻs 17s won open division gold at the USA Volleyball Boys Junior Nationals in Reno, Nevada Peter Caldwell | SL

Led by Punahou standouts Tui Tuileta and Micah Ma'a, Ka Ulukoaʻs 17s won open division gold at the USA Volleyball Boys Junior Nationals in Reno, Nevada.

The Hawaii contingent defeated SCVC in the championship match, and finished 11-0 in Reno, sweeping to an unprecedented sixth straight title for the core group of players coached by Pono Maʻa and Charlie Jenkins.

With Kamehameha-Hawaii's Evan Enriques on the U.S. junior national team, this yearʻs team was challenged in a number of matches but remained unbeaten. Stepping up in Enriques' absence was setter Skye Engleman (Maryknoll), who's play was key in allowing Maʻa to move to the outside.

Entering six teams (3 open and 3 club), Ka Ulukoa had an outstanding tourney as two other teams claimed gold in the 13s and 15s club division. Knocking off the second-seeded team from Manhattan Beach Surf in pool play, the clubs open 18s also played well with a top 15 finish.

Also representing Hawaii in Reno were teams from Kuʻikahi, Pilipaʻa and a Hawaii Elite 18s open group. With eight entrants (1 open and 7 club), Kuʻikahi finished first in the bronze bracket of the 18s open division and the clubʻs 14s took bronze in the gold bracket of the club division.