Destination targets seem to be a way of life for Misty Ma‘a.

Born and raised in Hawaii, the Kamehameha senior outside hitter committed to play volleyball for the University of Miami last week.

"It reminded me of home and because it’s an all-around great school," she said. "The athletic facilities are awesome, the coaches are great and the team was really cool. Plus beaches, tropical climate, it all seemed really familiar to me."

As a model, the long distance is part of the territory.

"Coral Gables is nice and the city part of Miami is only a few minutes away. It’s a city of potential and opportunity. That’s another reason I liked Miami, because it seemed to have a lot of access."

She appreciates what the sport has meant in her life.

"The traveling and recruiting have made me feel good because all the early-morning practices and hours have been worthwhile," Ma‘a said. It’s like working really hard for something and then reaping the benefits. It’s rewarding. It feels like your investments have finally paid off."

Thriving on pressure

The Kamehameha Warriors are looking more and more like their 2009 state title team.

Still, in the gauntlet of Division I football of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, the difference between first place and third is miniscule. For now, though, they can enjoy enthusiasm that comes with a 17-10 win over Punahou.

"The boys never gave up," Warriors coach David Stant said, pointing to a key fumble caused by Noah Borden and returned for a touchdown by Pono Choy.

"We try and work on it a lot," Stant said. "The last time we played Punahou, we had five turnovers and they forced three of them."

Raiders get by

‘Iolani coach Wendell Look was jovial after a 21-6 football win over Pac-Five on Saturday, chatting with old friends as he walked to the exit tunnel at Aloha Stadium.

"I’m relieved, that’s for sure. It wasn’t easy," he said. "Teenagers tend to do things the hard way and make things difficult, but we played well. Pac-Five had a great game plan of trying to pound it on us. Our kids were resilient enough to finish it off."