HONOLULU — Kamehameha and Punahou unloaded a large crop of their best to the Division I women’s volleyball ranks in 2024. Those who picked up the torch had to steady shaky hands in the first matchup between the Interscholastic League of Honolulu rivals since their state championship matchup last fall.
Defending champ Kamehameha figured out the formula in a 25-23, 25-23, 25-23 sweep of host Punahou at Hemmeter Fieldhouse on Friday evening.
Hitter Kamana‘o Goldstein put down 12 kills with 10 digs and Kala Chock also had a double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs. Middle Alohalani Chun supplied seven kills on .462 hitting and blocked five balls.
The level of play was not quite the same from the title match last November at Brigham Young University-Hawaii’s Cannon Activities Center, when Kapalama emerged with its 24th girls volleyball championship. That was both because of the younger faces in the lineup and the early stage of the season.
“It was a good test on the road and we fought hard in a very tough environment,” Warriors coach Chris Blake told Spectrum News in a message. “We are excited about the outcome and ready to learn and take the next step.”
Much of the talent on display in that game has matriculated to college.
Kamehameha lost hitter Adrianna Arquette (Hawaii), hitter Emma Lilo (Oregon State), hitter Tia Kapihe (Santa Clara), middle Sydney Cazimero (Portland) and utility Kalei Watson (Utah Tech).
Several of Punahou’s main pieces – setter Rella Binney (Texas), hitter Haumea Marumoto (Washington State), all-around talent Lulu Uluave (BYU) and libero Reese Teves (Long Island) also graduated and are playing Division I indoor volleyball, and Indigo Clarke (Stanford) is playing beach volleyball.
Kamehameha improved to 2-0 while Punahou dropped to 0-2. Iolani moved to 2-0 after sweeping Mid-Pacific on Saturday. The Warriors host the Raiders for the early ILH lead on Tuesday. Punahou plays at MPI Tuesday night.
Brian McInnis covers the state’s sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.