Kahuku Girls Open Volleyball Season Against ‘08 Title Foe

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The ultra-competitive atmosphere that prevails at Kahuku’s girls volleyball practices throughout a season can trace its roots back to the Red Raiders’ tryouts.

As in past years, head coach Uila Fotu-Vendiola found choosing a roster a difficult process. “It (competitive tryouts) definitely helps us in terms of preparation,” he said, as his Red Raiders come off an 18-1 season that saw them capture the OIA title.

“In fact, we had a hard time making a cut. We had 21 girls come out, and I was only able to keep 12 to 14. It was quite a challenge. It was very close at several positions.”

Because of heavy losses to graduation - 2008 Red East Player of the Year Nile Te’o, among them - the team will have its share of underclassmen in the fold this fall. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, given the school’s track record in having young players step forward and play beyond their years.

Juniors Ho’onani Apo and Elizabeth Blake have set the tone in their early workouts, to date, according to Fotu-Vendiola. Both saw their share of action in the Division I State Tournament in November, where they finished third.

“They stand out right now,” she said. “Elizabeth has a great work ethic and an all-around game that’s pretty solid. She’s very athletic, and she’s smart. We’ll use her as a setter, and you may even see her as a hitter.

“By the end of last season, we were using Ho’onani a lot,” she added. “She was right there challenging throughout most of the season (to be a starter as a sophomore). Her hitting is her strength, and like Elizabeth, she’s smart. She can hammer a ball when she needs to, and she’s smart in her placement of the ball. She can adjust to the situation, and she’s a pretty solid player all around.”

Seniors Maria Tonga and Amanda Tonga, who are not related, will also add veteran leadership to the lineup, having been in the program for three years.

Maria Tonga is a setter who will be used more this fall as “a utility player,“according to her coach. Amanda Tonga is the team’s tallest player at 6-1 and will hold down a spot at middle blocker.“Her physical presence is felt on the court,” Fotu-Vendiola said. “She’s a good blocker and a good hitter, and she can serve, too.

“We’re looking to those four for leadership,” she added. “We’re also excited about the other girls on our team.”

Kahuku’s public unveiling is set for Aug. 18-22, when it takes part in the Ann Kang Invitational at Iolani, where they’re sure to see their share of the best teams in the state in addition to Mainland powers.

Much of the focus in Kahuku’s recent workouts has been on the defensive side, where the Red Raiders were especially tough in 2008.

“Offensively, we usually have a good team,“said Fotu-Vendiola, whose team’s only loss in 2008 came to state tournament runner-up Punahou in the semifinals. “Ball control and defense are keys. If we can do those things well, we should be fine.”

Kahuku opens its regular season Aug. 26 on the road against Red East rival Moanalua in a re-match of last year’s OIA title, which was won by the Red Raiders in five games.