Waianae adjusts to beat Pearl City

Two vastly different Waianae boys volleyball teams appeared against Pearl City.

There was the one squad that kept hitting the ball into the net in Set 1. There was also the one that minimized errors to dictate Set 2. If the latter version of this experienced squad appears during the league season, the Seariders can go deep into the postseason.

“We still got a lot more work together, getting together and playing as a team,” Waianae libero Jonah Poe said after Thursday’s 25-22, 25-15 win at Pearl City in an OIA West match. “I believe our team can take it this year, the West and maybe even an OIA championship. That’s one of our goals.”

Hezekiah Agiga had nine kills and Akoni Faumuina had six for Waianae (2-0). P-Jay Solomon had six kills for Pearl City (0-2).

The Seariders return most of their starting lineup from last year’s squad that qualified for the state tournament. They are used to playing with each other and started the season on Tuesday by beating Leilehua, which is ranked seventh in the Star-Advertiser poll.

“So far so good,” Waianae coach Wilhelm Wagner said. “They’re still building confidence and playing together.”

The Seariders controlled Set 2 by minimizing their hitting and serving errors and finding hitters all over the floor. The Seariders can hit from all positions, and libero Poe took several swings during the match. Poe, who anchors the defense, finished with a kill and two aces.

“I feel very thankful that I have so many options I can choose,” said Waianae setter Jahren Muliagatele, who finished with 17 assists. “I can move around the ball, people who can pass and put it away. I’m glad I have this family with me.”

Pearl City called its first timeout down 10-2 and the Chargers struggled against a squad that coach Brennan Velasco feels is the top team in the West.

“They’re way more experienced than us,” Velasco said. “A lot of our kids, volleyball is not their first sport, majority is basketball, football. Our guys aren’t really playing year-round. The experience factor, I think a lot of them play club, just to gain our experience in a match like this is pretty critical.”

Waianae served for the match at 24-7, but four hitting errors played a part in Pearl City scoring the next eight points. Waianae had a kill to finish the match.

“I just wanted our guys to keep their heads up,” Velasco said. “I told them after the game I’m very proud of them at being competitive until the end, even though we lost, knowing this is the No. 1 team in the West.”

Waianae’s errors nearly gave away the opening set to Pearl City.

The Seariders’ 15th error made it 22-all in Set 1. A Pearl City net violation gave Waianae the lead and the Seariders finished the set on a kill from Nayton Kuresa and Muliagatele’s ace.

“I believe everyone was having the jitters and nervous,” Muliagatele said. “We just had to calm down and play our ball.”