LAHAINA — For the Kamehameha Schools Maui girls volleyball team, the first of its goals is growing closer — one methodical win at a time.

The Warriors improved to 8-0 in the Maui Interscholastic League regular season last night with a convincing 25-13, 25-8, 25-14 win over Lahainaluna at the Lunas' gym.

With a win in hand over second-place Baldwin, Kamehameha is closing in on the state tournament berth that goes to the regular-season champion.

The MIL tournament later this month will decide another state berth and also the overall champion — the Warriors want to go into that single-elimination event, which starts Oct. 22, with a state spot in hand.

''We are getting to where we want to be,'' Kamehameha coach Bala Spencer said to The Maui News. ''We are working hard and it is getting closer. We are hitting our stride now. We are still trying to peak at the end of the season.''

The Warriors took apart the Lunas with a balanced effort. Sophomore Ginger Long had eight kills, while Kaulana Ane, Eva Kaaa and Teilissa Tua all had six. Erin Ventura and Kayla-Al Kaluau led the defense with seven and six digs, respectively.

The Warriors are firmly focused on the state tournament, and they want to punch their ticket to get there as soon as possible.

''Yeah, that is super, super important to have our place there in Honolulu,'' Spencer said. ''Once we get there we can start adding more things to our offense and defense. We just have to take care of business on Maui.''

That won't be easy with matches left against Moloka'i and Seabury Hall, each of which currently have just one loss, after next week's contest against King Kekaulike.

Spencer was pleased with Kaaa, who saw significant playing time on the front line.

''Eva played really well when called upon tonight and we needed her both in the middle and outside,'' Spencer said. ''She was swinging hard and it was like we didn't miss a cylinder. We kept firing on all cylinders and she stepped up really well.''

Kaluau, a libero, also drew praise from her coach.

''Lahainaluna is really scrappy and they got some balls over us, but Kayla stepped up big time,'' Spencer said. ''As small of a girl as she is, she covers so much ground. It is just amazing how much better she is getting each match.''

The Warriors certainly caught the eye of the Lunas, who at 4-4 must now focus on continuing their season at the MIL tournament. The Lunas got three kills apiece from Suliana Tuakoi, Julynn Ii and Lahela Akima. Hawai'i Leilua had six assists.

''Kamehameha is really good, it was a tough game,'' Lahainaluna coach Hano Ganer said. ''They deserve all they get. They really do. When we play a team like that we know we have to get better. The tournament is our focus now. We have to stay positive and aggressive.''

The Warriors jumped out early — leading 10-3, 15-5 and 20-9 in the first game — and were never threatened.

The second game was tied at 4-4 before the Warriors went on a 7-0 run capped by an ace by Ane. Later, Long took the ball on the service line and three aces in a four-point span made the score 19-6.

In the third game, a solo block by Long made the score 15-5 and a kill by Leah Santos upped the lead to 20-8.