Salt Lake, HI
The 2025 OIA D2 Girls Volleyball Championship between the Roosevelt Rough Riders and Leilehua Mules went through all 5 sets to determine a new champion. In the semifinal matches, we would see Roosevelt make easy work of Waianae and punch their ticket to the championship match in three quick sets. Leilehua, on the other Hand, would go through all the emotions. Dropping the first 2 sets to Waipahu would cut their chances of making the championship match tremendously. A little setback never scared away the Lady Mules as they would get the reverse sweep and take the last seat in the championship match.
Everything was set for this D2 matchup as the atmosphere and fans were rocking from the jump. The Lady Mules started off the opening set with an 18–0 point run. An impressive performance that is very rare to see on the volleyball court. Leilehua would end up winning set one, and momentum was on their side with the strong start.
Teams aren't just placed in the championship for nothing. Roosevelt had to show the people that they were here and ready to take it all. A Chippy back-and-forth set 2 would see the Lady Rough Riders take back a set and gain the much-needed momentum that changes the tide. Roosevelt would turn up the heat in set 3 and get a comfortable lead to go up on a 2-1 lead over the mules.
What we learned with this Leilehua team, when their backs are against the ropes, you'd better be ready to swing back. An almost deja vu moment as the Lady Mules took over in set 4 with Cali Moniz-Kealoha leading the way for the Lady Mules. With a championship point on the line, the Lady Mules made it tough for the Rough Riders in the 4th, turning the game around going into the 5th.
Championship games always bring the best of the best in players, and the Lady Rough Riders did exactly what they needed to do to pull off the win. Lady Rough Rider, Kaycie Garnett, went off for the match with 18 kills, 7 aces, and an impressive 24 digs to help Roosevelt over the hill and take home the OIa Title.
Roosevelt takes home the OIA D2 title and first league crown since it won it last in 2011.
The Roosevelt Rough Riders are your new OIA D2 Girls Volleyball Champions! Congratulations to the Rough Riders Girl Volleyball Program, School, and Community!
Final Score: Roosevelt 3 - Leilehua 2
Final Score: Roosevelt 3 - Leilehua 2
8-25 I 26-24 I 25-17 I 25-27 I 15-4
For more pictures, head over to our photo gallery.
pictures taken by: Alan Velasco - @oscalev_
