ILH VOLLEYBALL
FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
'Iolani's Chelsea Hardin had eight kills against Hawaii Baptist last night, but the Raiders lost the match.
|
|
Hawaii Baptist upsets No. 2 ‘Iolani
Eagles’ serving and trademark defense knocks off the Raiders
Sarah Palmer is no prophet, but she had a really good feeling about this week.
ILH VOLLEYBALL
Standings in the first round of the ILH girls volleyball season:
Division I |
W |
L
|
Kamehameha |
5 |
0
|
Iolani |
5 |
1
|
Punahou |
3 |
0 |
|
Sacred Hearts |
3 |
1
|
Maryknoll |
3 |
2
|
Mid-Pacific |
1 |
3 |
Division II |
W |
L
|
Hawaii Baptist |
4 |
0
|
St. Andrew's |
4 |
1
|
University |
3 |
1
|
Word of Life |
3 |
2
|
Christian Academy |
1 |
3
|
Hanalani |
1 |
4
|
St. Francis |
1 |
4
|
La Pietra |
1 |
5
|
Le Jardin |
0 |
5
|
Lanakila Baptist |
0 |
6
|
|
On Monday, the Hawaii Baptist Academy junior was stoked about her team's practice session. Last night, the fifth-ranked Eagles soared to a 26-28, 25-19, 25-15 over No. 2 'Iolani at HBA's gym.
Palmer led the way with 14 kills and three aces as HBA improved to 4-0 in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu.
"We had our best practice ever yesterday," said Palmer, who has verbally committed to play for the University of Texas. "Everybody said 'Iolani would be No. 1 this year. We're the underdogs because of our height, so people underestimate us."
Though it's doubtful 'Iolani would ever overlook one of the top volleyball programs in the state - the Eagles won last year's Division II state crown - HBA hadn't beaten 'Iolani since 2004 when Brandi Higa (Fairfield), Jayme Lee (Hawaii) and Kimberly Mow anchored the squad.
Coach Myles Shioji's team still has lots of defense - Kelly Chang hustled for seven digs - and may be a better serving group than the '04 edition. Hawaii Baptist finished with seven aces and just six service errors. 'Iolani tallied just one ace and had six service errors. Three of HBA's aces came from sophomore Kayla Kawamura, who stepped to the back line midway through the final game with HBA ahead just 9-7.
She rifled an ace into 'Iolani's back row, then set Brianna Lovett for a kill over the middle. After two more aces by Kawamura, Hawaii Baptist led 14-7 and had Iolani on the ropes.
"I have to be confident and aggressive," said Kawamura, who has a scholarship offer from Hofstra. "(Coach) knew what to do from scouting them."
After a Raiders timeout, HBA continued to roll. Kills by Chelsie Mow, who finished with six kills and 21 assists, opened the lead to 17-8.
The Raiders pulled within 18-12 with a spark from senior Chelsea Hardin, who finished with eight kills. However, Palmer came alive and pounded three kills as HBA opened its biggest lead, 23-12. 'Iolani got no closer than nine the rest of the way. C'era Oliveira, who spiked eight kills, closed out the match with her final swing on the left side.
HBA hit just .155 in the first two games, but got hot and hammered at a .343 clip in the final game.
"We're totally different at practice. We're trying to figure out how to come together as one team," 'Iolani coach Jenic Tumaneng said. "I'm not frustrated. I'm kind of relieved. For them to know what they have to do, they have to take it upon themselves."
Mahina Haina had 13 kills to pace 'Iolani.
'Iolani dropped to 5-1 in ILH play.
The Eagles will go back to work this afternoon.
"We'll enjoy it tonight and start preparing for (Saturday's opponent) Sacred Hearts," Shioji said.