Konawaena aims for league title

After winning its first state championship, there’s one more task left for the Konawaena girls volleyball team to accomplish.

It wants to win a Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship, the one match that has eluded the Wildcats the past several seasons.

“We didn’t even win the BIIF title last year, we lost to HPA,” second-year coach Ainsley Keawekane said of last year’s defeat to Hawaii Prep in the BIIF final. Konawaena then beat HPA for the state Division II championship. “Our goal is to get a BIIF title for the school. That’s our first goal. As far as another state title, it’s hit or miss.”

The Wildcats, who start the season No. 7 in The Honolulu Star-Advertiser poll, have nearly all the parts back from last year’s championship team. Junior outside hitter Chanelle Molina provides offense, athleticism and leadership. She had 28 kills and 20 digs in the four-set win over HPA for the state championship, the first BIIF team to win a volleyball title since Hilo in 1974.

“She’s a born leader and she’s willing to adjust and willing to take criticism from other people to become a better leader,” Keawekane said. “I tell her ‘If you lead well, everybody will follow.’ “

Her young sister, Celena, will be called upon to fill the setter role vacated by the graduation of Makani Wall. The sophomore could also see time at outside hitter if Konawaena implements a 6-2 offense. While Chanelle has already caught the attention of the University of Hawaii basketball coaching staff, Celena drew interest from college volleyball coaches at a recent club tournament in Minnesota.

“I believe she will do well,” Keawekane said of his new setter. “No doubt in my mind she will fill the shoes pretty easily.”

Junior McKenna Ventura, who joined the team last year after transferring from HPA, gives Konawaena size and options at the middle and right side. Keawekane’s daughter, Haena, moves over to libero after Ela Seier graduated.

“There’s a lot of things I can do with the team this year,” coach Keawekane said. “Last year was different because we ran a 5-1. This year I’m trying to run 6-2 to open our hitting and blocking in the front row. Luckily, we have kids who are able to adjust to whatever situation we are in.”

No. 8 Mililani

With the core of her offense gone, coach Val Crabbe hopes her team will embody the trademark of the Mililani program.

“Our strength has always been our defense and I don’t want to lose that,” said Crabbe, whose team won Oahu Interscholastic Association Red titles in 2011 and 2013.

Kristen Miguel, Sarah Legalley, Kayla Magbaleta, Dominique Carter and Krystin Chang are key returnees for the Trojans, who finished third in last year’s Division I state tournament. Miguel and Legalley are entering their third seasons on the varsity squad.

“We’re definitely looking to count on them,” Crabbe said of Miguel and Legalley. “We’re moving a couple up from the JV, probably a girl over from the Blue (developmental team). We’re hoping they’re going to contribute.”

It’ll take a team effort to fill the holes left by the graduation of Jordyn Keamo, Sarah Liva and Ashlee Vaoifi. All three of those players are now on college rosters.

Mililani had tryouts on Aug. 4 — the first day teams could practice — and Crabbe was still making cuts late into the week. She wants to focus on conditioning, chemistry, defense and serving during the preseason. Meeting those marks will be important if the Trojans want to achieve their goal of making the state tournament.