Team USA improves to 6-0 in Grand Prix

The top-ranked U.S. women’s national volleyball team, with three players with Hawaii ties on the roster, defeated No. 2 Brazil on Sunday in an FIVB World Grand Prix pool-play match in Sao Bernardo, Brazil.

Setter Lindsey Berg (Punahou) had 20 assists, a kill and a block as the Americans rallied for a 20-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-23 victory. Tamari Miyashiro (Kalani) was used as a serving specialist in all four sets, while middle Heather Bown (University of Hawaii) did not play.

The U.S. and China are the only undefeated teams and take 6-0 marks into the final preliminary round this week. The Americans play Serbia on Friday, Argentina on Saturday and Thailand on Sunday in Bangkok.

Kaimana Awards announced

Waiakea, Hualalai, Mid-Pacific, Hawaii Baptist, Island, Baldwin, Maui, Moanalua, Kaiser and Kalani won the first-place school honors at the HMSA Kaimana Awards.

Points are based on percentage of students participating in athletics, as well as academics, sportsmanship and community service of student-athletes.

Recipients of $5,000 scholarships are Erin Carvalho (Kamehameha-Hawaii), Lauren Claypoole (Island), Charisse Manley (Molokai), Cheyenne Pico (Hana) and Penina Lima (Kapolei).

Recipients of $3,000 scholarships are Camille Ricketts (Konawaena), Trevor Yamagata (Konawaena), Max Castanera (Kamehameha), Samantha Dacanay (‘Iolani), Megan Herndon (Punahou), Kalei Hosaka (Hawaii Baptist), Leahna Luke (‘Iolani), Siena Simmons (‘Iolani), Kimberly Auilar (Waimea), Garrett Beyer (Island), Joni Lynne Sanchez Casio (King Kekaulike), Taylor Hori (Seabury), Heather Higashi (Mililani), Shayna Hokama (Mililani), Caitlin Hooker (Kailua), Travis LeFrandt (Moanalua), Sara McAllaster (Kalaheo).