Knights Plunge Into Volatile DII Volleyball
By Jack Danilewicz
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One match may not make a season, but it can alter the course of a season, to hear Castle head girls volleyball coach Brannan Bajet tell it.
“I put a lot into the first game,” said Bajet, whose Knights open their OIA White Conference season at home against Nanakuli at 7 tonight (Aug. 19).
“It sets the tone for these girls, and I expect them to come out 100 percent. For my team, I think if we’re consistent in everything we do, we have a pretty solid, well-balanced team.”
The Knights, who finished 14-7 over all in 2008, including a 12-6 mark in OIA competition, are seeking a third straight state tournament appearance, having made the fifth-place game last year. Bajet will build around four key returnees from that team this fall - middle/outside hitter Jochell Lilio, libero Malina Kekahuna, and setters Tiara Kalopodes and Jayleen Royos.
“So far, this is one of my better groups - I think we’ll be well-balanced - that’s our strength. We haven’t entered into any of the summer tournaments, so we don’t know where we’re at yet.We haven’t been tested.”
Although only a sophomore, the Knights will look to Lilio when on the attack. A middle hitter last year, she’ll play inside and outside this year, “depending on who we play,” Bajet said.
“Her strength is her knowledge of the game, and she’s matured a lot over the summer,” he added.
Kalopodes and Royos will provide leadership at the setter position, meanwhile, having both had strong seasons in 2008.While Bajet acknowledged late last week that his team’s setting had not hit its stride yet, the position figures to be a strength for the Knights eventually.
“Tiara’s strength is her experience. She grew up around the game, and she’s been playing with me for four years. We’re counting on her to lead on the court.
“Jayleen brings a lot of intensity, and she’s one of my hardest workers,” he added.
Kekahuna is a senior and the starting libero. “She’s another girl who has played with me for a long time,“Bajet said. “She has a lot of court presence, and she is one of my best ball-handlers.”
Malie Garcia, Erika Jarrett, Chelsey Gerona, Leisha Liilii, Kulei Lynch, Brittney Clark and Sacred Hearts-transfer Kelsie Chuck round out the Castle team.
Following Wednesday’s opener with Nanakuli, the Knights remain at home for a match versus Anuenue at 11 a.m. Saturday. Bajet expects parity to be the order of the day in DII.
“I’m expecting a lot of the other teams to be at their peak following the summer, and I expect them to come out firing. Division II will be one to watch this year. There are a lot of talented girls.”
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