Clarke’s return propels Kapolei

Shekinah Clarke never let those long days in rehab get her down.

Even after suffering injuries to her left knee twice in the past year, the senior came through with her career best on Thursday. Clark had three aces to rally Kapolei in the second set, then had seven of her eight kills in the third as the Hurricanes swept No. 7 Kahuku 25-20, 25-22, 25-16 on Thursday in OIA Division I girls volleyball quarterfinal action at Mililani.

The Hurricanes (10-2) qualified for the state tournament with the win, their second in as many nights. Kapolei defeated Kaiser in four sets during the opening round on Wednesday.

In another quarterfinal match, host and No. 9 Mililani defeated Aiea 19-25, 25-14, 25-18, 25-22.

It was Clarke’s first extended action — she played briefly in the regular-season finale against Waianae — since returning from the latest injury. Back in preseason, things looked bleak for the 5-foot-10 senior after the second injury.

"I thought she was gone for the season," Hurricanes coach Naidah Gamurot said. "Two and a half weeks later, she said, ‘Coach, I’m ready to play.’ She has a really strong mind. She worked hard with our trainer."

Clarke wore a brace on the left knee for the first time recently. It was a serious distraction for a while.

"Coach told me I have to be one with the brace," Clarke said. "I feel good. I feel like my old self."

She’s one with the brace and one with her team now. The ‘Canes have a phenomenal outside hitter in Jayleen Abregana, who had 13 kills and two aces to lead a diversified Kapolei attack. The 5-2 sophomore was crafty, coming at Kahuku with a mix of roll shots, tips and blasts off the Red Raiders’ big block.

"Our blocking was way off," Kahuku coach Lee Lamb said. "Number 2 (Abregana) is goofy-footed. She comes at a different angle. Tonight, they were on."

Seleni Bartley, Savannah Baldomero and Shayze Wessel each added four kills. Setter Annika San Nicolas dished 35 assists and also had two aces.

With Clarke on the court, they have a hammer to complement Abregana on the outside and Wessel, who had three blocks, at the middle.

Kahuku (10-2), the East runner-up, is still in contention for a state berth. Six OIA teams will qualify for the D-I state tourney.

Cheyenne Te‘o had 10 kills, three aces and a block to lead the Red Raiders. Thea Leiataua tallied seven kills, Brittany Waite had four, and Ana Kemoeatu and Phoebe Grace had three each.