Reigning All-Hawaii Girls Volleyball POY Saige Kaahaaina-Torres attempts a kill over Kamehameha's Kili Robins and Braelyn Akana. Michael Lasquero | SL

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_17081906_MICH-GVB-HVIfinal-9021.jpg - Michael Lasquero | SL

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KAPALAMA HEIGHTS — Make no doubt about it, the Iolani Raiders are still the team to beat in girls volleyball.

In a rematch of the past two Division I state title matches, defending champ Iolani swept Kamehameha, 27-25, 25-15, Saturday afternoon at Kekuhaupio Gymnasium to take top honors in the annual Hawaii Volleyball Invitational.

Reigning All-Hawaii Girls Volleyball Player of the Year Saige Kaahaaina-Torres put down 13 kills to lead the Raiders to their second preseason tournament crown in as many weeks.

Iolani coach Kainoa Obrey was happy that his team was able to play at its best when it mattered the most against a quality opponent.

"This match, I thought we were consistent," he said. "Throughout the three days of this tournament, we had our waves of up and down, but I think this is the most consistent match with purpose that we played in this whole tournament. Maybe it's because Kamehameha is very good, and it forces us to be prepared."

The Raiders edged the Warriors first set in extra points but were able to pull away from Kamehameha in the second stanza to coast to the win.

Kaahaaina-Torres, the lone senior on the team, shouldered the load early on before Kristen McDaniel (23 assists) was able to get other hitters involved. Elena Oglivie added eight kills while Sasha Petticord and Izzy Sakoda chipped in three kills each.

"We were fortunate," said Obrey. "We served well and got them out of system and were able to handle the first touch better. If we can control that first touch, we open up hitting lanes and can utilize more of our hitters."

While the Raiders had many pieces returning from their 2016 championship squad, the Warriors have to replace two All-Hawaii First Team selections in outside hitter Kayla Afoa and libero Kyra Hanawahine.

"For us, we have to figure out a lot of stuff as far as positioning and where we can utilize our players to put ourselves in a spot to be successful," said Kamehameha coach Chris Blake. "We got it on film now and we can figure out what we can do in order to improve."

Throughout the match, the Warriors showed it had many capable hitters at their disposal. Senior Kili Robins led the way with six kills, middle Braelyn Akana had five more and Maluhia Maa and Keonilei Akana each added four kills. Three-year starting setter Lexis Akeo directed the offense with 19 assists.

Both teams will have 11 days off before the state of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I season on Aug. 31.