Just 17 days after being stretched to the limit by Punahou in a preseason girls volleyball match, national powerhouse Kamehameha swept past the visiting Buffanblu last night, 25-14, 25-20, in an Interscholastic League of Honolulu showdown.

A crowd of about 500 at Kekuhaupi'o Gym watched the Warriors, ranked No. 1 in The Advertiser's statewide Top 10 poll of coaches and media, use a balanced but piercing attack to improve to 6-0 in the ILH. Punahou, ranked No. 2, fell to 5-1.

The Buffanblu had put a scare into Kamehameha — ranked No. 5 in the nation in prepvolley ball.com's preseason poll — on Aug. 25 before losing 23-25, 25-23, 25-17. Punahou led 21-19 and 23-21 in the second game.

Last night, the Warriors allowed for no such drama, although the Buffanblu had closed to 20-18 in the second game.

"They clearly played better in all phases," Punahou coach Jim Iams said. "They were aware of that last match and were prepared to make a statement this time. And they did."

Returning four big weapons from last year's state championship team, Kamehameha spread the wealth on offense throughout the match.

Senior outside hitter Jordan Meredith scored on four straight kills to help the Warriors use an 8-2 run in the first game to go up, 19-9. Reigning Advertiser State Player of the Year Kanani Herring got four kills during a 9-2 run in the second game as Kamehameha jumped to an 18-9 advantage.

"By being diversified, we're harder to defend," Warriors coach Chris Blake said.

The Buffanblu responded with their own 9-2 run, sparked by Lani Fonua's four kills, and were within striking distance after Anuhea Keanini's kill closed it to 23-20. But a lift call on Punahou was followed by an emphatic match-ending kill by Herring on a quick set in the middle.

Bekah Torres finished with a match-high 10 kills for Kamehameha, Herring added seven kills and Meredith contributed six kills and two aces.

Keanini led the Buffanblu with 10 kills.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.