Heading into Thursday’s Ann Kang Invitational, Punahou is focusing on building its team chemistry. It lost eight seniors from last year’s state runner-up squad and has more new faces than returnees on this year’s team that didn’t practice together until Monday.

“We want to continue to build the team chemistry,” Punahou coach Tanya Fuamatu-Anderson said. “A lot of the girls who are returning have chemistry. We’ve just got to bring the rest of the kids on board.”

Seniors Kiani Tuileta and McKenna Rose Granato will be key players in building that team chemistry. As setter, Tuileta will direct the offense and her teammates on the court. Granato is a hitter who will see a lot of sets — and blocks from the opposing team — coming her way.

“This year, being a senior and the setter, it’s definitely a little pressure (to lead) but it’s nice to have good returnees to help me out with that,” Tuileta said. “I have McKenna to help me in the leadership role.”

Added Fuamatu-Anderson: “We definitely are going to be looking at her (Tuileta) to run a clean offense. We want to keep it fast, and really help her to mature in the sense we give her the instructions, give her the plays and she goes out and executes it.”

The Buffanblu will be tested in the Ann Kang Invitational that runs through Saturday at ‘Iolani. Punahou’s bracket includes California powers Mira Costa and Los Alamitos.

Fuamatu-Anderson said those teams provide a good challenge for her young team and her players will be ready. Tuileta said it’s an opportunity to build team chemistry.

“It’s always fun playing mainland teams and they bring a different energy,” Tuileta said. “Preseason tournaments are always fun because you get to connect better with the new girls and build chemistry.”