In Game 1, Punahou built a 20-13 lead behind an overpowering front row attack featuring Spenser Rigg, Elizabeth Kaaihue and Larissa Nordyke. But a short shot by Amian and two Punahou setting errors gave the Menehunes three straight points, and they managed to nearly catch Punahou at 23-22, before Kaaihue and Aneli Cubi-Otineru blasted the final two kills for the Buffanblu.

Game 2 was a near repeat, with Punahou taking a 16-7 lead. But the Menehunes bounced back with four straight points on two blocks by Amian and Krysten Adsuara, a net violation by Punahou and a kill by Amian.

But Punahou hitter Cubi-Otineru, who had spent most of the season on academic ineligibility, continued to pound away at the Menehune defense, finishing with eight kills in 10 attempts.

Punahou coach Scott Rigg said his team was a little shaky in its passing game, with a different lineup featuring Cubi-Otineru in the front rotation. It was only her second match back after rejoining the team.

Moanalua coach Tommy Lake said his team suffered from inexperience but showed a lot of character.

"One thing our girls know how to do is fight back," he said.

Kamehameha def. Kahuku, 24-26, 25-23, 27-25

Kamehameha won a fierce semifinal match against OIA champion Kahuku, 24-26, 25-23, 27-25.

The young Warrior team, which lost nine seniors from last year's squad, counted on defensive hustle and tough serving to counteract the firepower of Red Raiders' hitters Camilla Ah Hoy and Ane Vea, who led both teams with 18 and 14 kills, respectively.

Kahuku (13-3) grabbed a 12-6 lead in the first game, but allowed Kamehameha (17-2) to catch up. The teams tied nine times before the Red Raiders pulled out a win.

Both stayed closed in Game 2 until Kahuku surged ahead, 17-13, on Ah Hoy's kills from the left side and Warrior errors.

Kamehameha freshman Tatiana Santiago salvaged the game by serving for six points, including three aces on the way to her team's 25-23 win.

Kahuku was in charge for the first half of Game 3, jumping to a 5-0 lead on Ah Hoy's dominating offense. The lead was 16-11 when Kamehameha made a run, tying the score at 20-20 after a series of sloppy plays by the Red Raiders.

With the score even at 25-25, a free ball by Kahuku off the serve allowed Tehane Kahalehau to answer with a kill.

The Warriors claimed the match when Ah Hoy was blocked in the middle by Bekah Torres and Chauntelle Maduli.

Deven Bukoski was Kamehameha's offensive leader, with 11 kills. Kahalehau added eight.

Kahuku coach Mona Ah Hoy said it was a hard loss, and that her team's inconsistent passing hampered its offense. "We can hold our heads up high. It could have gone either way," she said.

Warriors coach Chris Blake said the fact that his team reached the finals, despite the loss of key players from last year, shows the strength and depth of their program.

Kamehameha's win sets up a repeat of last year's final against ILH rival Punahou. The Buffanblu are undefeated this season, and handed Kamehameha its only two losses.

Warrior coach Chris Blake said both teams know each other well, but the return of powerhitter Otineru to the Punahou lineup presents a new challenge to the Kamehameha defense.

Kalani def. Kamehameha-Hawai'i, 25-15, 25-20

Tamari Miyashiro's 13 kills helped the Falcons (14-4) win the consolation bracket game. Kaniu Hernandez had seven kills for the Warriors (15-3). Kalani will play another Kamehameha team, this one from Maui, for fifth place.

Kamehameha-Maui def. 'Aiea Na Ali'i, 25-18, 26-24

Eleu Novikoff's 10 kills helped the Warriors (14-1) to a consolation bracket win. Lelani Kleman-Maeva had 15 kills for Na A'i'i (12-4).

Hilo def. Waiakea, 25-18,22-25,26-24