Kahuku, HI
The 2026 girls volleyball season brought an early OIA test to the North Shore on Monday night, with the Kahuku Red Raiders welcoming the Moanalua Na Menehune for a matchup between two teams looking to establish themselves early in the season.
For Moanalua, the trip to Kahuku came with plenty of momentum. The Na Menehune had already made an impression during the preseason, capturing the Hawaii Invitational championship after defeating California's Centennial in the title match, 25-21, 25-21. Junior outside hitter, Surfia Grounds, was one of the players who made an impact throughout the tournament, giving Moanalua a strong presence at the net while contributing defensively. Moanalua also tested itself against national level competition at the Vegas Classic just days before the Kahuku matchup, advancing to the championship match before falling to Orange Lutheran of California. Those preseason experiences gave the Na Menehune valuable opportunities to compete against high-level teams and build confidence heading into OIA play.
Kahuku entered Monday night looking to create some momentum of its own. The Red Raiders, who were runner ups in last season HHSAA Girls Volleyball Championship, faced a difficult stretch against strong competition, including matchups with Saint Joseph and Centennial during the Hawaii Invitational Tournament and also facing number one powerhouse, sierra canyon trailblazers, in the ann kang invitational. But with the OIA season underway and the home crowd behind them, Kahuku had an opportunity to reset and make an early statement against their division rival.
From the opening serve, it was clear neither team was interested in easing into the season. A Tight Opening Set to start the game and Moanalua came out aggressively, but Kahuku stayed within striking distance throughout.
The Red Raiders fed off the energy inside their home gym, matching the Menehunes point for point as the opening set tightened late. Moanalua eventually managed to create just enough separation to escape with the first set.
The Red Raiders fed off the energy inside their home gym, matching the Menehunes point for point as the opening set tightened late. Moanalua eventually managed to create just enough separation to escape with the first set.
Kahuku would respond in the second set. The Red Raiders came out with renewed energy and continued to put pressure on Moanalua. Once again, two teams battled through a competitive set, but this time Kahuku was able to finish. The Red Raiders took the second set, evening the match at one set apiece and sending the momentum toward the home side.
With the match tied 1-1, the third set became an early turning point. Neither team was willing to give away the third set. Moanalua and Kahuku traded points deep into the frame, with both teams having opportunities to seize control. Kahuku appeared to be in position to take another step toward an upset, but Moanalua stayed composed as the pressure increased. Late in the set, the Menehunes capitalized on Kahuku mistakes and found a way to close out the marathon set.
Kahuku refused to let the match slip away without a fight. Playing in front of its home crowd, the Red Raiders continued to battle for every point and looked to force a deciding fifth set. The Menehunes handled the pressure late in the set and closed out the fourth set, ending the lady red raiders comeback hopes and securing the opening night road victory. The Red Raiders pushed Moanalua deep into three of the four sets and showed the fight necessary to compete in what should be a competitive OIA season. Moanalua showed that their preseason schedule paid off in what they look to do moving forward to secure an oia title and bring home the koa wood trophy.
Kahuku refused to let the match slip away without a fight. Playing in front of its home crowd, the Red Raiders continued to battle for every point and looked to force a deciding fifth set. The Menehunes handled the pressure late in the set and closed out the fourth set, ending the lady red raiders comeback hopes and securing the opening night road victory. The Red Raiders pushed Moanalua deep into three of the four sets and showed the fight necessary to compete in what should be a competitive OIA season. Moanalua showed that their preseason schedule paid off in what they look to do moving forward to secure an oia title and bring home the koa wood trophy.
Final Score: Moanalua 3 - Kahuku 1
25-23 I 22-25 I 26-24 I 25-22
for more photos, head over to our photo gallery
pictures taken by: Kennedy Velasco - @kennnchapo
Nyla Block Party!
Video By: Logan Pactol - @_lowgxn
Keep um Grounded!
Video By: Logan Pactol - @_lowgxn
Up high, Down Low
Video By: Logan Pactol - @_lowgxn
Thats too easy
Video By: Logan Pactol - @_lowgxn
