Kamehameha sweeps Punahou in afternoon tilt


In the latest chapter in the storied Kamehameha-Punahou girls volleyball rivalry, the Warriors of Kapalama defended home court in an afternoon affair at Kekuhaupi'o Gym, 25-22, 25-16.

With the game knotted at 21-21 in the opening set, Punahou took the lead at 22-21 but Kamehameha ultimately won the set 25-22.

"We know Punahou's a very talented team," says Kamehameha head coach, Chris Blake, "they're very well coached, and got lots of great athletes."

Punahou came out strong in the second set to take the lead, but Kamehameha kept things close, not allowing the Buffanblu to extend beyond a 3 point lead, and eventually tied the set at 8-8 after a long rally was ended with a kill by Kamehameha freshman, Kayla Afoa to Punahou's front corner.

Kamehameha eventually took control in the second set with senior Alohi Robins-Hardy leading the way to a 20-13 advantage. Warriors held on to win the set and the match with a 25-16 win in the second set.

"We trained specifically for this team," says Kamehameha junior, Tiyana Hallums, "we scouted them looking for what they were going to hit most of the time, [and] their tendencies. We did really well as a team."

The  Warriors looked at this game as a good way to start off their season and continue making progress.

"It's a good next step," says Blake, "we'll enjoy it for a bit, but we get back into the gym on Monday and get back to work."