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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, October 23, 2003

ISLE FILE
Word of Life gains volleyball playoffs

• Nissan kicks off 22nd year of Hall of Honor

Advertiser Staff

The Word of Life girls volleyball team, led by Careena Onosai, qualified for the Interscholastic League of Honolulu championship round in its first year of varsity competition.

The Firebrands, coached by former Rainbow Wahine LeeAnn (Pestana) Satele, finished in a four-way tie for fifth after the ILH regular season. They defeated Maryknoll Monday and Mid-Pacific Tuesday to clinch the berth.

Onosai, daughter of former University of Hawai'i football player Joe, had 27 kills against Maryknoll and 19 against Mid-Pacific.

Careena, a sophomore, has two sisters on the team — Talia, a senior, and Shayna, the team's only freshman.

"I'm extremely proud of all of these girls, especially in their character that they've developed over the season and in this first season," said Satele, who is married to former UH football player Alvis.

"At the beginning of the season, we wanted to be known as a hard-working team and I think we've accomplished that."

Satele said setter Daress Wright also was a major contributor to the victories. Wright had 60 assists and two key solo blocks against Maryknoll and 65 assists and another solo block against MPI.

"We needed everyone to accomplish what we did," Satele said.

Word of Life, which practices at Community Church of Honolulu in Nu'uanu and Kawaiaha'o gym, plays Iolani today at 4:30 p.m. at Sacred Hearts. Regular-season champion Punahou (13-0) has a bye. The top three ILH teams qualify for the state tournament.

• • •

Nissan kicks off 22nd year of Hall of Honor

Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii yesterday announced the 22nd year of the Nissan Hawaii High School Hall of Honor, which annually recognizes 12 outstanding senior student-athletes.

Hawai'i high school seniors who are participating in any sport sanctioned by the Hawai'i High School Athletic Association are eligible for consideration.

While selection is based primarily on athletic achievement, consideration is also given to leadership, sportsmanship, academic achievement, behavior on and off the field, and involvement in school and community activities.

An independent 16-member selection committee composed of people involved with athletics through education, coaching or media, will culminate the selection process during a two-day session in May.

The induction banquet is scheduled to be held on June 13, 2004 at the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel's Pacific Ballroom. In the 21 years of the program, 252 student-athletes have been inducted into the Hall of Honor.

"All of us at Nissan are very proud of our Hall of Honor program," said Eric Miyasaki, Nissan Hawaii's president and chief executive officer. "For many years, Nissan has been committed to Hawai'i and its communities, and this program continues our resolve to encourage, support and recognize our youth."

Nomination forms will be available from athletic directors at all state high schools. For more information on the Hall of Honor, or to obtain a nomination form, call Lance Masatsugu or Lynn Sato of Nissan Hawaii at 836-0888.