Iolani hits speed bump in quarterfinals
By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer
Even champions have chinks in their armor.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
That was proven at last night's quarterfinal matches of the Nissan Girls State Volleyball Championships at the Blaisdell Arena.
Wai‘anae’s Briana Marinas sets the ball as teammate Hokulani Bailey looks on during the Seariders’ quarterfinal loss to Iolani at the girls’ state volleyball tournament.
Top-seeded and undefeated Iolani School showed some signs of weakness, despite sweeping Wai'anae, 15-2, 16-14, to advance to today's semifinals, where it plays St. Joseph at 2 p.m.
"We need to reduce our unforced errors and continue to maintain a high level of play," said Iolani coach Ann Kang. "(The girls) are willing to do what needs to be done."
After being kicked around by Iolani in the first game, Wai'anae, which finished fourth in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association, came into the second game with a mission: go for broke.
"I basically told them we have nothing to lose," said Wai'anae coach Rae Fabrao. " 'Go out and play. Do your best.' They were definitely better than in Game 1."
The Interscholastic League of Honolulu champions couldn't break away from the Seariders in Game 2, despite out-blocking and out-hitting them. Senior outside hitter Laakea Campbell led the Raiders with eight kills, five in the second game alone. Seniors Ashley Elliazar and Fabriann Gin added six apiece.
"Being undefeated, there's no pressure at all," said Iolani junior setter Kanoe Kamana'o, who also had five kills. "Other teams will look at our 15-0 record ... but we need to take everything step-by-step. Everyone out there is trying to be the No. 1 team."
The second match showcased probably the best freshmen outside hitters in the state.
Punahou's Aneli Otineru and Kalani's Tamari Miyashiro ignited their team's offense, posting double-figures in kills and demonstrating the kind of game maturity you wouldn't expect from freshmen.
Punahou fended off the feisty Falcons, 15-12, 15-7, to advance to the semifinals against Hilo today at 3:30 p.m.
The battle between both league's runners-up showcased consistent serving, scrappy defense and hard-won points.
Kalani kept it close in Game 1 behind the strong arm of Miyashiro, who put away 10 of her team-high 15 kills in the first game. But the Buffanblu took over the offense behind solid blocking — and Otineru — who finished the night with 16 kills and 13 digs. On defense, senior outside hitter and team captain Michelle Look led Punahou with 18 digs; she also had seven kills and two aces.
"There's definitely room for improvement," said Punahou coach John McDermott about his standout freshman, who still needs to work on her blocking and ball placement. "But what she does as a freshman is mind-boggling. She's one of the most advanced freshmen, girls or boys, I have ever seen. She knows the game, she's been playing for a long time, she's smart, but also physical."
Miyashiro, coached by sister and former University of Hawai'i Wahine defensive specialist Tehani Miyashiro, plays with more confidence and maturity than most players, regardless of class.
"Oh, she's very good," McDermott said. "No weakness. She's such a seasoned player, if you can say that about a freshman. She hits well, passes well, serves well. She knows the game really well."
Punahou will face a Hilo team that features a seemingly unstoppable 6-foot-2 middle blocker. Junior Sarah Mason knocked down 14 kills, hitting .632, in the Vikings' 16-14, 15-4 win over Pearl City.
"We need to make sure to come ready to play (Punahou), to execute and deliver, to give it all we've got," Hilo coach Carla Carpenter-Kabalis said. "On any given day, anyone could show up."
Iolani will face a similar foe in St. Joseph. Feisty and arguably the most talkative team in the tournament, the Cardinals are young but fearless. They defeated OIA champions Kahuku in three Thursday and Kaua'i Interscholastic Federation champion Kaua'i High, 15-2, 11-15, 15-12, last night.
Wai'anae coach Fabrao doesn't think records or championships or tournament seeds matter: "Any give team could beat anyone."
Nissan State Girls Volleyball Championships
Yesterday's results
At Blaisdell Arena
Quarterfinals
Iolani def. Wai'anae, 15-2, 16-14
Punahou def. Kalani, 15-12, 15-7
Hilo def. Pearl City, 16-14, 15-4
St. Joseph def. Kaua'i, 15-2, 11-15, 15-12
Today's matches
At Blaisdell Arena
Semifinals
Iolani vs. St. Joseph, 2 p.m.
Punahou vs. Hilo, 3:30 p.m.
Third place
Semifinal losers, 5:30 p.m.
Championship
Semifinal winners, 8 p.m
