KS-Hawaii battles past KS-Kapalama in four sets


Kamehameha-Hawaii players react after defeating Kamehameha-Kapalama in four sets. Peter Caldwell | Special to SL
FARRINGTON - It was an island-versus-island matchup as Kamehameha-Hawaii outlasted the Warriors of Kamehameha-Kapalama in four sets, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-20, in the final quarterfinal of the night at the New City Nissan Division I Boys Volleyball State Championships at Farrington's Kitamura Gymnasium.

"They went beyond my expectations tonight," said Kamehameha Schools coach Guy Enriques." It's a lot of pressure off the back. Very tough match for us to get through," he continued.

Kamehameha-Kapalama won the first game with a score of 25-23 with seniors Savili Bartley (six kills in game one) and Kamuela Grugler-Hill (4 kills in game one) leading the way for the Warriors.

"We lost the first game," said Enriques. "But weren't playing poorly, we were playing decently," he continued.

Kamehameha-Hawaii took control after that, winning the second game with a score of 25-23. Standing out for the Warriors from the Big Island was sophomore Evan Enriques, who put down 17 kills in the second set alone.

Tonight, I think everyone played their role," said Evan Enriques. "The middles did awesome; I hope we can carry it out throughout the rest of the tournament."

The Big Island Warriors wrapped up games three and four, 25-15 and 25-20 to win the match. Evan Enriques continued to make highlights, ending the contest with an incredible 34 kills for the night.

"I love it; this is what we've been trying to do this whole year," said Evan Enriques. "Take it one game at a time, that's all we can do."

Coach Enriques' team had a first round bye coming into the state tournament as the BIIF champion, but admitted he was did not necessarily see it as an advantage.

"I don't particularly like to sit out like this where you got to play a team that's won some momentum," said coach Enriques." It's not always the best thing."

Kamehameha-Hawaii advances on to play Moanalua tomorrow night in the Division I semifinals.

"Moanalua is a really good team, said coach Enriques. "All I can expect from my team is to do what we are capable of doing."