By Jessica Fontenot
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For the first time in MHS history, the Varsity Girls Volleyball team earned the OIA Red Division championship title against Kahuku High School on Oct. 22 at the McKinley High School gymnasium. The Lady Trojans prevailed in the fifth set against the only team they had lost to in their regular season.
“Our team plays as a team and not as individuals,” said Head Coach Val Crabbe, “When one person might not be having a good day the others pick up their game (and) support the person.” The team had a perfect record of 13-0 until they were defeated by Kahuku the previous day. However, their unity helped them to make a comeback.
The Lady Trojans won the first two sets with scores of 28-26 and 25-18. Kahuku took the third set with a score of 25-14 as well as the fourth at 25-22. “When we lost to Kahuku it was a big wake up call,” said Senior Crystal Kaiwi, “It showed us that just because we’ve been winning doesn’t mean we won’t lose eventually.” The team finally came out on top in the fifth and final set at a score of 15-13.
Players had to quickly adapt, as Kahuku was at an advantage in certain aspects. “We were definitely not used to playing against taller girls,” said Kaiwi, “They blocked all our hits and they were able to hit over all of our blocks.” The team retaliated with a number of good serves and combinations of passes or sets ending with hits, all of which they had practiced before the game to make up for it.
Because the team wasn’t playing on their home court, adjustments had to be made mentally as well. “They were so loud,” said Kaiwi, “It was hard to play against them with everyone in the gym cheering for (Kahuku).” But cheerleaders and football players from MHS soon greeted the team to cheer them on.
Throughout the season, the players formed a tight-knit team, and supported each other through the ups and downs. “We work together very well on and off the court,” said Junior Inoa Fields. “We are all friends, which makes everyone want to help each other become better players overall.”
With this win under their belts, the team looks forward to seeing their first championship banner hung from the gymnasium ceiling and will continue their practices as they go on into state championships.
