Kapolei pulls away from Waianae on senior night

Kapolei's Luke Magaoay and Branson Alop combine for a block against Waianae in the second set of an OIA Western Division contest Tuesday night. Michael Lasquero | SL

For the first time of the season, the Kapolei boys volleyball team was able to play up to its potential.

The Hurricanes fended off visiting Waianae in straight sets on senior night for a 25-17, 25-12 win Tuesday in an Oahu Interscholastic Association Western Division match.

Kapolei improved to 7-1 in league play with two games remaining in the regular season before the postseason.

"We finally played our game," said Kapolei coach Moani Nahulu-Mahelona. "We finally set the pace of our own game."

Ezra Lono-Soares led the Hurricanes with six kills and two blocks. Branson Alop, Willie Tupua Richardson and Solomon Coen each added three kills and Luke Magaoay and Kama Cunningham chipped in two kills apiece.

Setters Gavin Andaya and Keola Transfiguration combined for 13 assists and libero Donovan Leopoldo added a match-high nine digs.

"We finally found a rotation that worked for everyone," said Nahulu-Mahelona. "My job was to make sure that when we sub people in, it was seamless, and we finally got to that point."

Blaze Kahikina led the Seariders (5-3) in the loss with five kills.