Konawaena claims D-II crown

Konawaena proved that it’s not just the best on the Big Island, but the best in all of Division II.

The unranked Wildcats defeated BIIF champion Hawaii Preparatory Academy 25-16, 24-26, 25-18, 25-21 to claim their first Division II HHSAA championship at McKinley gym on Friday night.

Sophomore outside hitter Chanelle Molina finished with 28 kills and 20 digs for the Wildcats, followed by McKenna Ventura’s eight kills and nine digs.

Senior setter Keahelaumakani Wall posted 44 assists in the night.

"What we worked for all season, this just sums it all up. I’m glad I got to go out on this note," Wall said. "We talked about trying to pretend that HPA is just another Oahu team, because it’s always a mental game when we play them."

Konawaena coach Ainsley Keawekane will have trouble topping his inaugural season.

"I was put in the right place. God put me here with these kids at this school," Keawekane said. "I have no words. All I know is, we’re gonna have a fun time tonight."

Both teams battled for momentum in their third encounter this season. The Wildcats and Ka Makani tied six times in Set 1 before Konawaena pulled away with a three-point run, forcing an HPA timeout at 11-8. Celena Molina served four straight points as HPA struggled with its ball control, recording five ballhandling errors.

A Ventura kill to the left corner gave the Wildcats a 21-13 lead and Wall put down an overpass to end the set.

Set 2 was much like the first, with Konawaena forcing a Ka Makani timeout with an 11-8 lead.

The Wildcats extended their lead to 15-10, but Gabbie Ewing made a stand from the service line. Ewing served five straight points and a Wildcats hitting error tied the game at 15.

Konawaena’s hitters struggled against HPA’s bigger block, as Ka Makani combined for three blocks in the set.

The teams exchanged sideouts until HPA earned a game ball opportunity at 24-23 from an Anna Juan kill on a overpass to the left back corner. Konawaena sided out on a hitting error, but Ewing’s perfectly placed roll shot gave Ka Makani another game point. A Wildcats hit into the net tied the match at one apiece.

The critical Set 3 went to the Wildcats, who jumped to a 17-12 lead from a six-point run. Serving specialist Haena Keawekane entered the match and delivered consecutive aces to stretch Konawaena’s lead to 21-15. Celena Molina, a freshman outside hitter, stroked a shot down the line to gain a 2-1 set advantage for the Wildcats.

Celena Molina kept the momentum with back-to-back aces to start Set 4. The Wildcats jumped on the back of Chanelle Molina, who put away four consecutive kills from her collection of shots.

The match appeared to be wrapped up when the Wildcats held an 11-6 lead, but Ka Makani rattled their confidence when Tiana Reynolds’ kill launched a 4-1 run.

HPA continued to struggle with its setting, getting called on three lifts within a seven-point window. Ka Makani trailed 23-21, and Celena Molina’s kill down the line handed the Wildcats their shot at history. The final point was a heated exchange, but Ewing’s back-row attempt fell short into the net to close the match.

Ewing led HPA with 22 kills and 25 digs, followed by Reynolds’ 12 kills and 20 digs.

Third place

SAINT FRANCIS 2, WAIMEA 1

The Saints edged the Menehunes 26-24, 24-26, 15-13 to capture third place.

Fifth place

UNIVERSITY 2, SEABURY HALL 1

The Junior ‘Bows beat the Spartans 25-23, 26-24 to take fifth place.