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Farrington started its season with four straight losses but didn’t cave in and captured the Oahu Interscholastic Association Division II girls volleyball championship with a 25-20, 18-25, 25-21, 25-13 victory over Kailua on Thursday night at the McKinley gym.
Dayna Kahanu was a big force for the Governors (9-5) with 14 kills, two blocks and five aces.
“I’m so proud. I can’t believe we won,” Kahanu said. “We worked hard and we believed in ourselves, and when we do that we can get the outcome we want.”
After the teams split the first two sets, the third was tied at 21 when Farrington started to gain momentum that lasted until the end. A kill by Saryiah Kahakai, a block by Moli Heimuli and an ace by Brandy Tauaefa got it to 23-21 before two mistakes by the Surfriders (9-4) put the Governors up 2-1.
“The kids played all year with their hearts,” first-year Farrington coach Barney Choy said. “I’m very proud of these girls to come through despite the change in culture that can be tough on anyone.”
Asked what made the difference Thursday night, Choy said, “Resiliency. We’ve been so resilient all year. That is what we live by. It was a full effort by everyone.
Both the Govs and the Surfriders will represent the OIA in the upcoming D-II state tournament.
“After we started 0-4, we had a long talk,” Choy said. “The kids made a commitment and they’re in it for the long haul. However far the journey takes us, we’ll ride it.”
Heimuli finished with five kills and five blocks for Farrington, and Kahakai had seven kills. Two Govs — Chasity Wong (10 assists) and Anuhea Hughes (nine assists) — split the setting chores.
Kailua’s Keila Fuatagavi-Sale and Amber Tai had 10 kills apiece and teammate Tiare Young was on target with 25 assists. The Surfriders’ Delcie Young added five kills, two assists and three aces.
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