Roosevelt overcomes Mililani

Roosevelt fought off Mililani 25-17, 23-25, 25-15 to capture the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red third-place match last night at McKinley.

Meleana Yamashiro delivered 15 kills and three aces to lead the fourth-ranked Rough Riders (12-3). Emily Maeda added 10 kills and two aces, while Darcie Anderson had 36 assists.

Roosevelt, which amassed 12 aces and 10 service errors, dominated the first game and had the second well in hand, but the Trojans showed some grit and made a remarkable comeback. Down 16-6, Mililani went on a huge run thanks to Roosevelt miscues and energized effort from Candace Soares, who had two kills and a block during the run.

The 15-5 spurt by the Trojans tied the game at 21. After Roosevelt regained the lead, Allie Elliazar had two kills and Soares added a game-ending ace.

Roosevelt regained control in the rubber game, however, with a 12-3 lead. Mililani got no closer than six the rest of the way.

Soares and Elliazar led No. 8 Mililani (8-6) with 11 kills apiece. Soares added three blocks. Setter Mali'e Yoon tallied 22 assists and three of her team's six aces.

The two teams are among five who will represent the OIA at the state championships next week in Hilo.