Kamehameha Maui girls volleyball opens season looking to build on last year’s MIL title
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As the defending Maui Interscholastic League Division I girls volleyball champion, Kamehameha Maui has opened the season with victories over Lahainaluna, Maui High and Baldwin.
On Aug. 25, the Warriors swept Maui High with Uilani Ahana and Pualililehua Kahaloa leading the offense with 13 kills each. Also, Ciara Poepoe recorded 39 assists and three aces for the Warriors, while Ava Akahi added eight kills and four aces and Lovely Kong-Kaniaupio logged nine kills and two blocks.
In their next game, the Warriors defeated Lahainaluna 3-1 on Aug. 27. Against the Lunas, Kamehameha Maui lost the first set 24-26 before taking the next three 25-12, 25-21, 25-13. Kaydence Makaena Medeiros recorded two aces, two kills and nine digs in the game, and Poepoe added two aces, 26 assists, two kills and eight digs.
On Tuesday, the Warriors beat Baldwin 25-22, 25-16, 26-24. Ahana had eight kills, 10 digs and four aces, while Poepoe had 26 assists, two aces, two kills and eight digs.
"I am super excited to be back in season with this team. So far, we're off to a great start, and I canʻt wait to see how the rest of this season goes," said Kahaloa, a junior.
"Personally, I hope to grow from last season by stepping more into a leadership role as an upperclassmen this year," she added. "I've always looked up to the upperclassmen since I was a freshman, and I just hope to be that person for somebody whether it's on or off the court. My main goal is to be seen as someone who uplifts her teammates as well as pushes them to put their best foot forward."
The Kamehameha Maui girls volleyball team poses for a photo after defeating Maui High at home 25-16, 25-16, 25-21 on Aug. 25 to start the 2026 season. Photo courtesy Hezekiah Kapuaala
Coach Sienna Davis said the Warriors are working to compete at the highest level possible, while fostering a culture that brings the team closer together.
Seeing a Warriors team that's loaded with talent again this year, Davis is putting an emphasis on the team's volleyball IQ, decision-making, arm swings and communication in hopes of creating a more diverse offense.
Kamehameha Maui ended its season last year against Moanalua at the state tournament in a five-set thriller. It wasn't the outcome the Warriors wanted, but it gave the team valuable experience.
"I think that speaks a lot to the culture we have been working hard to build," said Davis. "Starting this new season, I feel we have a solid foundation to build on. The class of 2026 had a lot of leadership presence that we are still seeking this season. We are a mix of returnees and some new players, so we are working hard to find our groove as we kuʻupau."
Ahana said that with lessons learned from last season, she is determined to be a stronger, more self-assured and consistent player. She also is looking to grow as a leader and take on more responsibility, while setting a positive example for her teammates.
Emmali Brash said her goals are to stay focused and successful in school while making the most of every opportunity that comes her way on the court.
"Representing where I come from gives me even more motivation to work hard, not only for myself and my team, but for my community and for her, Puahi," Brash said. "KSM has given us so many opportunities to grow, compete and become better versions of ourselves, and I hope we can embrace every one of them. This team is made up of some of my best friends, and I'm so excited to see everything we can accomplish together. I know we have something special, and I can't wait to see where this season takes us."
Coming up, the Warriors will match up against King Kekaulike, last year's runner-up in MIL Division I girls volleyball, on Sept. 8.