Chargers ease by Govs

After overcoming some jitters, Pearl City regained its composure in time to sweep Farrington 25-22, 25-17 last night in the opening round of the 2006 Oahu Interscholastic Association Division I Girls Volleyball Championship at Mililani High School.

"After they got over their nervousness, I think they played really well," said Pearl City head coach Stephanie Shigemasa of her squad. "They wanted this game really bad."

Pearl City (8-5) jumped out to a quick 7-4 lead in the opening game, but Farrington countered with a run of five straight points to take a 9-7 lead. The Chargers battled back to tie the score at 15, but the Governors went on a 6-2 run and seemingly held a comfortable 21-16 advantage.

But Pearl City turned the tables completely as the Chargers went on a 9-1 run of their own to claim the first game 25-22. Middle blocker Mary Kate Naanos, and outside hitters Deena Tupinio and Jazmin Pahukoa-Malia each contributed a kill during the streak. Setter Kathryn Markle also dropped in a kill of her own after faking a set and dumping the ball over the net into the wide-open space in the middle of the court.

Pahukoa-Malia was the spark plug for the Chargers, as the senior picked up a match-high nine kills to go along with a service ace and three digs.

"We came together with heart and desire," said Pahukoa-Malia. "We did very good tonight, and everybody wanted it, especially the seniors. I was probably the most nervous out of everyone, and I don't know what happened, but we got it all out."

The momentum remained with Pearl City to start the second game, as the Chargers exploded with an 11-4 streak. The Governors kept pace for a while, cutting the deficit to 17-13 on one of middle blocker Angela Gasio's two service aces. But Pearl City outscored Farrington 8-4 from that point on and finished the sweep on a kill from Tupinio.

Tupinio complemented Pahukoa-Malia's effort with six kills and three digs of her own.

"We just came out flat," said Farrington head coach Reagan Agena after what he deemed as a disappointing effort from his squad. "It's a tough way to end the season. I think we beat ourselves, thinking too much, and we were just overlooking everything."

The Chargers advance to play Roosevelt, the No. 2 seed out of the OIA East, in the first quarterfinal match of the tournament tomorrow at 3 p.m. at Aiea High School.

Kalani 2, Kapolei 1

Courtney Gaddis led the way for Kalani (8-5) with a game-high 10 kills while also picking up a block, two service aces, and three digs. Teammate Puahone Paia added seven kills along with one service ace and four digs.

Kalani advances to play West No. 1 seed Aiea in the quarterfinal round tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Aiea High School.