Varsity Girls Volleyball Wins OIA Championship Undefeated

McGwire Ishikawa, Reporter

On Oct. 17, the girls varsity volleyball team competed against Kahuku for the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) Championships, claiming the OIA title. They won all three sets with scores of 25-18, 25-17 and 25-14. This was their third OIA victory, after previous wins in 2011 and 2013.

“For the most part, I was very excited and it was just a very good relief, knowing that we worked so hard to get to this point, and we finally made it to the end and to the championship, and then we won it all. I knew that was a main goal that we all wanted as a team from the beginning before we even knew each other really well, and especially our coaches; they’ve had that goal in mind for years now,” said outside hitter Junior Falanika Danielson.

The team has been practicing over the summer for about three months. Even before the season, they’ve had the OIA’s in the back of their minds. “We really just wanted to play it game by game, make sure that we focused on the game we had at hand, and we did all our responsibilities,” said defensive specialist Senior Sarah Wong. Volleyball Coach Val Crabbe added, “We have them all set goals; they have goals, personal goals, and team goals. Based on the goals that they set, we try to hit toward those goals.”

The team stuck to their goal that they’ve had since the beginning. The crowd’s energy mixed with their own is something they felt helped them win. “It was just a surreal moment. You fight so hard for hard for it, and you come out on top,” said Wong. Danielson added, “It was really stressful, but it was a really great experience.”

This year, the team had a really close bond. Having this bond is what gave them more opportunities to succeed. “We all get along so well, and we really do have a special bond this year,” said Wong. Danielson added, “What I like the most is just hearing people’s different opinions and knowing that people have your back, and it’s not independent. It’s kind of like you can rely on other teammates for help or moral support in general.”

The team plans to continue improving for future games, both individually and as a team. They hope to work more on their strategies, as well as properly executing their skills. “As a team, we’re gonna keep communicating and pushing together as one,” said Wong. Danielson added, “As an individual, I would like to keep focusing on staying positive and knowing my goals and always trying to do better in the next game.”

The state tournament will begin on Oct. 22, which the volleyball team will be competing in. Their first match will be on Oct. 25 at 7:00 p.m.