Michael Lasquero | ScoringLive
March 28, 2018, 9:25pm
Trojans knock off Seariders in straight sets
The Trojans celebrate after beating previously unbeaten Waianae in straight sets Wednesday night in an OIA West contest. Michael Lasquero | SLMILILANI — Mililani unleashed all of its early season frustrations Wednesday night.
The Trojans, the defending Oahu Interscholastic Association Division I champions, put together their best match of the OIA West regular season to knock off previously unbeaten Waianae in straight sets, 25-22, 25-19.
In his first contest back from a hand injury, senior outside hitter Nate Johnson put down a match-high 11 kills with five digs and two aces to help host Mililani improve to 6-2 in the league standings.
Chance Guillermo added five kills and 15 assists, Jacob Prothero had four kills and Caleb Pascual chipped in three more to round out the Trojans' leading hitters.
Waianae, who was ranked eighth in this week's ScoringLive/Hawaiian Electric Boys Volleyball Power Rankings, dropped to 6-1.
It was an emotional win for the Trojans, who dropped three-set contests against Campbell (3-4) and Waipahu (5-2) on the two previous Wednesdays.
"When we lost to Campbell and Waipahu, it was kind of a reality check for us," said Guillermo, the reigning All-OIA West Player of the Year. "Everybody is out to get us. We're the OIA champs and we have to maintain that title by pushing harder in practice and keep fighting."
Mililani coach Trent Niino also challenged his team to be better after last week's loss to the Marauders.
"I just told them that they have to be proud playing for Mililani this year and they have to be proud to be a Trojan and they have to want it," said Niino. "Last year's team set the bar and they have to work hard, not to be perfect, but they have to work to be perfect. We strive for that."
