Defending champion Roosevelt was upset Tuesday by Moanalua, 25-23, 25-16.  Head Coach Tommy Lake saw one of his key players, Kaleinani Kabalis, play one of her better all-around matches of the season.  She had 17 kills to go with good passes and sets.  If she plays equally as well in the championship match, the Kahuku defense will have their work cut out for them.  The Na Menehune defense also executed their game plan in the semi-finals. They held Roosevelt’s top hitter, Mele Yamashiro to only 8 kills.

But East #1 Seed Kahuku has more than one offensive weapon.  Coach Uila Fotu Vendiola has played as much as 18 players.  Partly because they were beating their opponents handily.  But also because she has that kind of depth.  Attacks could come from Leilani Tafuna one night, or Alyssa Wily the next.   Shanlie Kaulula’au had 5 kills in game 1 of their semi-final win over Mililani on Tuesday.

The Moanalua team took some consecutive losses toward the latter part of the season when Kabalis was not able to play.  Similarly, Kahuku got their only 2 losses at the end of the season coincidentally when all the intensity surrounding the football team were at its apex.  The Lady Red Raiders even had to battle to 3 games to defeat Kapolei in the quarterfinals.

Both teams are playing their best volleyball now.  Both coaches would agree that now is the best time to hit your peak.