No. 8 Moanalua survives against Farrington

Moanalua's Jeslyn Spencer puts down a kill against Farrington. Pete Caldwell | SL

SALT LAKE — The visiting Farrington Governors almost put a damper on Moanaluaʻs senior night, pushing Na Menehune to the limit before dropping a 19-25, 25-21, 16-14 decision to the undefeated Oahu Interscholastic Association East leader.

The first set was a sign of what was to come as the Govs jumped on top by 19-10, and then held off a late Moanalua-rally to take the set 25-19. Serving well and putting up a strong block, Farrington took advantage of some Moanalua passing difficulties. It was the second straight contest where Na Menehune dropped the first set.

The Menes appeared to take control in set two, but down the stretch, Farrington narrowed the gap before falling 25-21.

In the deciding set, Moanalua got off fast to take a 9-3 lead, but the Govs fought back to even the score at 14-14.

Led by outside hitter Jeslyn Spencer, Moanalua ended it with the final point being a net violation call against the Govs.

"With the State tournament coming up, we have to learn to be in it right from the start," said Moanalua coach Alan Cabanting. "With (libero) Hula coming back, we had to go back and make some defensive adjustments after our Castle match. Give it up to Farrington, though because they served really well. Their tall middle was good and we struggled with our serve-receive game and became predictable. But for the most part, the girls fought hard as they wanted to get a win on senior night."

Moanalua finishes the regular season undefeated at 11-0 while Farrington finishes at 8-3.