Mililani takes care of Kalaheo in straight sets

Mililani senior OH Ashley Pawlak puts down a kill attempt past Kalaheo's Riley Lynch. Pawlak had 15 kills and 17 digs to lead the Trojans in their straight set win over the Mustangs. Pete Caldwell | SL

Host Mililani continued its winning ways with a 25-15, 25-22, 25-15 win over visiting Kalaheo in the Oahu Interscholastic Association Division I quarterfinal round Thursday night.

Senior outside hitter Ashley Pawlak had a double-double of 15 kills and 17 digs to help the Trojans, the OIA Western Division's top seeded-team, improve to 11-0 on the year.

"The fact that they worked together and hustled was impressive," Mililani coach Val Crabbe said about her team's effort.

Mililani also clinched a state berth with its straight set victory and will take on Moanalua (11-1), the Eastern Division's second-seeded team, in the second semifinal at McKinley's Student Council Gymnasium next Tuesday.

"It give us some positive, a little less stress because at least now we're playing for a place into states," said Crabbe. "Moanalua has really improved a lot since that Kamehameha (preseason) tournament."

Ava Moniz had 10 kills, Katie Asbery added nine more and Falanika Danielson chipped in eight kills of her own to round out the leading hitters for Mililani. Setter Hope Carter and Gabby Naniseni each had two kills to support the Trojans' attack.

Carter, the 2015 OIA West Player of the Year, finished with 38 kills and 12 digs in Mililani's straight set win. Junior libero Kylie Alos added 20 digs and two assists for the Trojans.

Kalaheo (9-4), the Eastern Division's fourth-seeded team, can extend its season with a win over Kailua (5-8) in next Tuesday's consolation match.

Samantha Pollard had eight kills and a solo block and Syenna Masaki dug up 18 balls to lead the Mustangs in the loss.