Staring at a sizable deficit late in the match, Kahuku focused on siding out and improving its communication.

The Red Raiders adhered to those talking points and closed out the match on a 12-4 run to beat Mililani 11-25, 25-22, 25-23, 26-24 in Thursday’s quarterfinals of the OIA boys volleyball playoffs at Moanalua.

“It’s the best feeling,” said Kahuku setter Cameron Renaud, who had 33 assists and a block. “It’s like a good rush knowing you’re down and you came back.”

Micha Maiava had 14 kills and Alaifatu Tito had 10 kills and four blocks for Kahuku (10-3), the third seed out of the East. All quarterfinal winners received state tournament berths and will meet in Tuesday’s semifinals at Radford.

“I have a lot of faith in my team,” Maiava said. “I knew we could pull it off.”

The Red Raiders called a timeout down 20-14 in Set 4, then slowly inched back into the match. A Mililani hitting error tied it at 22-22 and the Trojans led 23-22 after Kingston Nishimura’s kill. But a kill and ace by Maiava had Kahuku serving for the match.

“We were talking about siding out right way, getting a good pass so we could run our offense in the middle and right side … our communication and talking more,” Maiava said.

Nishimura’s kill tied it at 24-24, but Keaunui Ah You’s kill gave Kahuku match point again. Tito’s kill ended the rally.

“We had to find that motivation to push through and fight,” Renaud said. “We have to support Red Raider country, support the community and represent.”

Kahuku’s rally wore down Mililani (9-2), the West’s second seed.

“Our communication just fell apart,” said Mililani’s Zavier Lieb, who had 47 assists and two aces.

“I think the pressure got to us.”

Kahuku middles Tito and Spencer Niutupuivaha finished strong after quiet performances in Set 1. Niutupuivaha had six of his seven kills in the final three sets and Kahuku outblocked Mililani five to one.

“Spencer, he can jump really high and it’s only his first year,” Renaud said of his teammate who will play football at Weber State.

Nishimura had 16 kills, Sila Fuiava had 15 kills and Micah Talamoa had 10 kills for the Trojans. Mililani still has a chance to claim a state tournament berth by advancing through next week’s consolation round.

“We have enough time,” Lieb said. “We’re just going to practice harder in the gym (and) get better.”

Host and third-ranked Moanalua swept Leilehua 25-19, 25-17, 25-10 afterward.

“They’re a very formidable opponent, we were worrying about (outside hitter) Max (Aiono),” said Moanalua outside Kamalu Kaaa. “We were trying to get (blockers) on him so he couldn’t do damage.”