Last night, he wore a rainbow-colored hat with a green propeller on top for the O'ahu Interscholastic Association championship match at McKinley High School.

But while their coach was in a goofy mood, the Mustangs were all business in a 25-17, 25-21 victory over defending OIA champion Kahuku.

"I figured it helps me think and helps the boys jump higher, get air time," said Leoni, a fist-pumping, headband-wearing middle blocker at UH from 1995 to 1998.

Kalaheo outside hitter Elias David had nine kills with just one hitting error and dropped in on two blocks.

"Elias is a key player for us, a starter since his freshman year," Leoni said. "He knows how to step it up for an important match."

Kalaheo (13-0) will be the highest-seeded OIA team for the state tournament, Nov. 10 to 13 on the Big Island.

"It doesn't matter (who we play)," Leoni said. "I always say whoever steps on the court we're going to try and play our best game and try to win."

The Mustangs displayed solid defense and passing, making it easier for setters Chris Tumaneng and Mana Guerreiro.

"That's all we work on, ball control," Mustangs middle blocker David Moore said. "We don't want our setter to move."

The Mustangs, the OIA East's top seed, took a 9-2 lead in the first game. Kahuku (11-2) closed to 14-11, but Kalaheo went on another 9-2 run to move out of reach.

"Kalaheo played an awesome game," Kahuku coach Howard Kaululaau said. "They came in focused, better prepared. We had a long bus ride, we were sweating on the bus. When we came out here our boys were kind of flat-footed in the beginning."

The second game was tied nine times, the at 20-20. Outside hitter Zach Reis sparked the match-ending 5-1 run with a kill and Tumaneng ended it with his third ace of the game.

"It feels great, it was a team effort, and now we get to put up a banner," Tumaneng said.

The Mustangs had just six hitting errors, while the Red Raiders committed 15.

"We started mental preparation after every practice that we had," Leoni said. "The boys knew they had to go home and before they sleep do their mental preparation. Picture themselves in the perfect game."

Outside hitter Okosene Ale had eight kills to lead Kahuku, the OIA East's No. 2 seed. The Red Raiders also will compete in the state tournament.

"We have to regroup, prepare for the states, go there and have fun," Kaululaau said.