HHSAA Division II GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: Molokai sweeps University for DII crown

By Edward Jackson
 
HONOLULU -Moloka’i showed its dominance on Saturday night to capture the championship crown of the New City Nissan/HHSAA Division II Girls Volleyball State Tournament, winning in three sets, 25-12, 25-10, 25-18, over University High at McKinley Student Council Gym in Honolulu.

“This was a total team effort,” commented Moloka’i coach Matt Helm after the victory. “I think we played great. Playing tough competition in this tournament really helped us out because it kept us focus.”

The Farmers wasted no time in getting off to a fast start in all three sets. Once Moloka’i jumped ahead, University High could not catch up. There were moments when the Junior Bows did try to mount comebacks, but each time the frontline defense of Moloka’i quickly stopped those attempts.

Helm spoke highly of his frontline players.

The trio of Kalei Vaivai, Kalei Adolpho, and Kalani Ritte-Camara dominated with their defense and speedy kills.

Vaivai  knocked down 19 kills to earn the tournament’s most outstanding player honors. Ritte-Camara  had 7 kills, 4 aces, and 19 digs. Adolpho controlled the middle, registering two blocks. Adolpho main contribution was that her presence caused University to shift its offensive attack away from her throughout the whole match.

“The girls came out and played like they wanted to win,” Helm revealed. “I am especially pleased with our frontline players. They really performed at a high level throughout the tournament.”