Hurricanes In Ann Kang Tourney
By Jack Danilewicz
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS | Share
Del.icio.us
|
Should the Kapolei girls volleyball team be in the mix within the ultra-competitive Oahu Interscholastic Association’s Western Division this fall,the Hurricanes will likely look back on the final weeks of their 2006 season as having laid the groundwork.
“We were a much stronger team in the second round last year,“said Hurricanes coach Naidah Gamurot. “The season ended too early for us. Hopefully, we can pick up where we left off.”
The Hurricanes entered fall camp late last month in far better shape than a year ago, when they found themselves with one of the youngest teams in the West. Gamurot had also returned to the program last August after taking a year off.With the transition year now firmly in the rear view mirror, the team hopes to be a factor in the West.
Gamurot’s 2007 team is emphasizing quality over quantity. The Hurricanes have only 10 varsity players as they head into this week’s Ann Kang Tournament at Iolani. In the area of athleticism, the Hurricanes should more than hold their own, according to Gamurot.
“Skill-wise, we look real good. What we’re working on now is getting our teamwork together. Being a team isn’t just six players on the court together. It took us awhile last season (to realize it). Some of them have already played together, and that will help.”
The Hurricanes will build around outside hitter Marie Nataniela, middle hitter Tehani Kaaihue and outside hitter Courtney Seminavage. All three started for Kapolei as sophomores last fall.
“The three kind of make up a core. All three are all-around players. Their defense is really good, and their offense is really good.
“Marie and Courtney are identical to each other,” Gamurot added. “Both read the block well, and both are good on defense. They move quickly, and both are pretty aggressive. Blocking is Tehani’s strength. She’ll be a setter in addition to playing in the middle, which is kind of unusual.”
Gamurot is also high on seniors Kaili Smith and Shaira Allosada, a transfer from Maryknoll. Smith will play outside hitter as well as logging time as a setter, while Allosada will likely see time on the outside.
“Shaira is a strong hitter from the right and left side,” Gamurot said. “Kaili is also a strong hitter, and she can set if we need her to.”
Setter Tahnee Foki, middle blocker Kai Clark, libero Brande Yago, defensive specialist Emily Patacsil and all-around specialist Rayna Dayton round out Kapolei’s roster.
“We’ll look to Tawni for leadership and to run our offense,” Gamurot said. “Brande reads real well, and she can cover the whole court. We can put Rayna in anywhere - she’s an all-around player. Emily’s our (defensive) specialist, and Kai’s an athlete. She’s improved so much in the past month.”
The Hurricanes figure to be tested early in pre-season, beginning Thursday at Iolani. It will be Kapolei’s first appearance in the prestigious tournament. The Hurricanes open play versus La Canada High School at 10:50 a.m. in the upper-level gym. The Hurricanes will play three other matches - against Dana Hills (CA) at 2:50 p.m., Iolani at 3:40 p.m. and Molokai at 5:20 p.m. - all on Thursday.
“It’s the premier tournament, so we’re glad we got an invitation,” Gamurot said.“It should be fun for the girls.”
Kapolei opens its OIA regular season Aug. 30 at Waianae.
Contact Jack Danilewicz at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS
Most Recent Comment(s):
