Kahuku girls to defend volleyball title against Moanalua

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

One team will try to defend its title, the other will try to reclaim it.

Defending champion Kahuku will meet 2000 champion Moanalua for the O'ahu Interscholastic Association girls' volleyball championship next Thursday at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The Red Raiders advanced by sweeping Kalani (10-2), 15-11, 15-6, while the Menehunes handed West champion Pearl City (11-1) its first loss of the season, 15-6, 12-15, 15-7, in last night's semifinals at Radford's Jim Alegre Gym.

"It feels good to be back" in the title game, Moanalua coach Sheri Sagayaga said.

Middle blocker Patti Hardimon and outside hitter Danie Hout led the Menehunes (11-1) with nine and seven kills, respectively.

Middle blocker Musie Olevao led Kahuku (11-2) with 10 kills, followed by senior outside hitter Tuli Peters' six.

"This year, we can go to everyone, not just one person," Peters said. "We depend on everyone."

Kahuku struggled with its passing in a regular season loss to Moanalua. But last night the Red Raiders showed marked improvement.

The noticeable difference was using Alberta Fotu as a defensive specialist. She made passes last night that Kahuku lacked in its loss to Moanalua.

"We got five serve aces from Alberta and probably a lot of digs from her, which we didn't have (last time)," Kahuku coach Mona Ah Hoy said. "We didn't use her as a defensive specialist against Moanalua. (Last night) she was digging everything."