Brien Ing | SL

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_22102845__RI_4209.jpg - Brien Ing | SL

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Hawaii Baptist is returning to the title match of the HHSAA Division II girls volleyball tournament for the first time since 2017, grinding out a 20-25, 25-21, 25-17, 18-25, 18-16 win over Damien in the first semifinal of the night at Kalani High School gymnasium.

Marissa Nakata had a match-high 36 kills to go along with three blocks and 20 digs, Caitlin Wong added 22 kills, two blocks and 16 digs and setter Leina Chu poured in 56 assists to lead the way for the Eagles, who took down the Monarchs for the third time this season.

After dropping the first set, the Eagles took the next two sets before the Monarchs dug deep to force a fifth and deciding set with a win in set four. 

In the fifth set, Damien turned back Hawaii Baptist on two match points before the Eagles needed to fend off the Monarchs, who had a match point of their own at 16-15, but a trio of hitting errors on the final three points sealed the match in favor of Hawaii Baptist.

Damien's hitting duo of Kaila Kalama-Bajet (22 kills, two blocks, 15 digs) and Kiana Cueto (21 kills, three blocks, 2 aces, 15 digs) came up big in defeat, as did twins Kenna (6 kills, 47 assists, 6 aces, 18 digs) and Kody Wengler (31 digs, three asists).

Hawaii Baptist will face off with Le Jardin in the title match, a rematch of the 2017 championship game. The Bulldogs swept past fellow ILH member school Maryknoll in the second semifinal of the evening at Kalani, to set up a shot at an undefeated season and a third state title with a win over the Eagles.