Posted on: Friday, November 5, 2004

ILH GIRLS
Punahou repeats as ILH champion

 • ILH BOYS: Undefeated Buffanblu win 1st title since 1999
 • OIA BOYS: Kalaheo wins OIA boys title
 • OIA GIRLS: Kahuku girls conquer OIA

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

Sparked by the return of one of the top players in the state, Punahou defeated Kamehameha 25-12, 23-25, 25-19, 25-19 to win its second consecutive Interscholastic League of Honolulu girls volleyball championship last night at Kekuhaupi'o Fieldhouse.

The Buffanblu received a boost from last year's Advertiser's State Player of the Year Aneli Cubi-Otineru, who played in her first match this season after sitting out because of academic trouble.

Cubi-Otineru, a 5-foot-9 senior outside hitter, recorded a match-high 20 kills despite not starting the first two games because coach Scott Rigg wanted to ease her back into the lineup.

"We worked Aneli onto the court which we hadn't done yet," said Rigg, who added that Cubi-Otineru will be available for the state tournament. "We just get a lot more offense with that one spot."

With the win, the Buffanblu (16-0) earned a first round bye in the state tournament on Nov. 10 to 13 at Maui's King Kekaulike High School. The Warriors (14-2) also received a state berth.

Punahou started last night's match with solid passing and tough serving, but got a little loose in the final game.

"I don't think it was a real pretty win for us," Rigg said. "We'll have to play better than that to win the state tournament."

After winning Game 1, the Buffanblu could not close out Game 2 after taking a 23-22 lead on Larissa Nordyke's kill. The Warriors won the next three points, ending the game with an ace by Alexis Robins.

Cubi-Otineru started the final two games and made an immediate impact in Game 3.

The Buffanblu opened the game with a 8-0 run behind four kills by Cubi-Otineru.

The Warriors closed to 17-16, but Punahou's Elizabeth Kaaihue responded with a pair of kills and Cubi-Otineru added one to pull away.

In Game 4, Punahou's Michelle Luxton's kill broke a 13-all tie and sparked a 5-1 run that put the game out of reach. Cubi-Otineru finished the match with an ace.

"Punahou's a great team," Kamehameha coach Chris Blake said. "Hopefully we'll get to meet them in the states."

Nordyke added 15 kills and Pohai Nu'uhiwa and Kaaihue had 20 digs each. Kamehameha's Alexis Robins had 10 kills.

Cubi-Otineru, who had started every year since she was a freshman, said it was difficult watching from the sidelines during the season.

"It was a learning experience," said Cubi-Otineru, who added that she carried a GPA of better than 3.0 on her last report card. "I've grown a lot from it."

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2458.