Honolulu, HI
The ILH Championship was set, a clash between the ‘Iolani Raiders and Kamehameha-Kapalama Warriors. Kamehameha was looking to play spoiler and send this game into one more match on Saturday Morning. ‘Iolani, on the other hand, was looking to finish the ILH season strong and focus on the state tournament.
Two teams that are far too familiar with each other's game. That's what brings out the best of these two teams in the ILH season. The tides would be on the raiders' side as they finished the regular season series with a 2-1 lead over the lady warriors. IF 'Iolani won, it would be their 2nd ILH title in back-to-back years and their third in 4 years.
The Lady Raiders would set the tone early in the match with the powerful duo of Taimane Ainuu and Poema Kalama-Kingma leading the offensive side. The Underclassman duo has been a problem all year on the court for opposing teams. Game planning for these two isn't an easy task. Although still just a sophomore, Taimane Ainuu looks like a veteran when she steps foot on the court for the Lady Raiders. Taimane and Poema would end the match with a combined 27 kills and 12 digs to add to their historical run this season so far.
Kamehameha wouldn't make it comfortable for 'iolani, though. The lady warriors would keep taking the lead in the second set and looked like they were stealing one away from the Lady raiders. Sauimoana Purcell, alongside Kalaweloilehua Chock, would give Kamehameha their offensive power to keep them in this game. 2 points would be the difference in the second set between the two teams, but the margin wasn't significant enough to keep 'iolani out of this game. 'Iolani would mount back a strong effort and take the 2nd set away from the Warriors.
The Lady Raiders would go on to dominate the entire third set, and Kamehameha had no solution to stop the offensive power of the raiders. It would be all 'Iolani in this ILH Championship Matchup.
‘Iolani would bring out the brooms for a clean sweep over Kamehameha and claim back-to-back ILH Titles. 'iolani has its eyes set on bringing the Koa Wood back home.
Final Score: ‘Iolani 3 - Kamehameha-KapAlama 0
25-15 I 25-22 I 25-16
Final Score: ‘Iolani 3 - Kamehameha-KapAlama 0
25-15 I 25-22 I 25-16
For more pictures, head over to our photo gallery.
pictures taken by: Alan Velasco - @oscalev_
