PUKALANI - The Kamehameha Schools Maui girls volleyball team added to its heap of accolades yet again.
The Warriors swept Baldwin 25-15, 25-11, 25-9 on Friday in the Maui Interscholastic League Division I tournament final before a near-capacity crowd at Kaulaheanuiokamoku Gym, capping an unbeaten run to a ninth consecutive league championship.
"There was definitely huge pressure for us not to be the team to leave the empty space for a banner (on the gym wall)," said Leimana Kane, who finished the night with seven kills.
Article Photos
Leimana Kane and Sheylin Patao of Kamehameha Schools Maui attempt to block a shot by Baldwin’s Gabby Cordoba during the Warriors’ 25-15, 25-11, 25-9 victory over the Bears on Friday in the Maui Interscholastic League Division I tournament final at Kaulaheanuiokamoku Gym.
The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo
Kamehameha (14-0) earned the MIL's seed in next week's state tournament on Oahu. Baldwin (7-7) and regular-season runner-up King Kekaulike will play today at Erdman Athletic Center for the other state berth.
Sienna Davis had 11 kills for the Warriors, who have won 69 of their last 70 MIL matches. Anuhea Kaiaokamalie had 10 kills, Shalia Kamakaokalani had six digs, Bobbi-Lin Kalama had four aces and Sheylin Patao and Raven Poepoe each added two blocks.
"We just tried to match Baldwin's energy, and we were able to do that," said Kamehameha coach Bala Spencer.
Fact Box
MIL POSTSEASON
Friday's Results
At Kaulaheanuiokamoku Gym
D-II tournament final: Seabury Hall def. Hana, 25-18, 25-27, 25-20, 25-22
D-I tournament final: Kamehameha Maui def. Baldwin 25-15, 25-11, 25-9
Today's Match
At Erdman Athletic Center
D-I second-place playoff: Baldwin vs. King Kekaulike, 4 p.m.
The Warriors, who placed fourth in last year's state tournament, know next week will provide a tough test.
"We definitely wanted to go out with a bang," Kane said. "But I kept track of things I need to improve in in all areas of my game to help my team."
Kamehameha closed the first set with a 20-10 run, and jumped out to big leads in each of the final two, scoring the first five points of the second set and opening the third with a 13-4 charge on the way to ending the match in an hour.
Statistics were not available for the Bears, who left almost immediately after the match, and were not available for comment.
* Chris Hamilton is at chamilton@mauinews.com
