(Sat) October 31, 2009

HHSAA Division II GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: Hawaii Baptist Nails Down Division II Volleyball Three-Peat

By Kyle Galdeira

Hawaii Baptist relied on seniors C’era Oliveira and Sarah Palmer for 20 and 19 kills as the Eagles downed Word of Life 25-22, 25-14, 19-25, 25-16 to claim their third consecutive New City Nissan/HHSAA Girls Volleyball State Championship this evening at the University of Hawaii’s Stan Sheriff Center.

The Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division II champion Hawaii Baptist squad racked up 54 kills compared to 34 by the Firebrands, and used nine service aces to outpace ILH runner-up Word of Life.

Oliveira led the Eagles (21-2) with six kills in the opening set including the clinching point that ended Word of Life’s 9-3 comeback run. An energetic Palmer chipped in five kills including four straight for her team midway through the set to put Hawaii Baptist up 18-11.

Oliveira and Palmer continued their hitting streaks in the second set, notching five and four kills apiece. Both hitters also chipped in two service aces for the Eagles as the black-and-gold clad squad ended the set on a 10-2 run to nix any hope for a Firebrands comeback.

Word of Life (18-6) extended the match, pulling out a win in the third set behind a 9-2 run midway through the frame. The Eagles got within five points late in the set, but the Firebrands held on to force a fourth game.

But the duo of Oliveira and Palmer proved too tough for the Firebrands to overcome as the duo put down five kills apiece in the deciding game. Just as it did in the second set, Hawaii Baptist ended the frame on a 10-2 run to clinch the title and end their season with a 15-match win streak.

Kaena Kaina paced Word of Life with 11 kills while teammate Kainoa Ocasek added ten kills in defeat.

Oliveira, Hawaii Baptist teammates Taryn Bohan (defensive specialist) and Kayla Kawamura (setter), Kaina and Ocasek earned spots on the all-tournament team, while Palmer garnered Most Outstanding Player honors. Kalei Adolpho (Molokai) and Qutnne Eharis (University High) also earned all-tournament team recognition as middle blockers.

Division II Bracket »
Division II Results »
Match Statistics »

Photos by Jonathan Bello at www.jonbphotography.com for HHSAA

Division II Bracket »
Division II Results »
Match Statistics »

Photos by Boysie Koga at www.metzphotography.com for HHSAA