Red Raiders On A Roll Heading Into Volleyball Post-season

Among the fall adjustments for Kahuku first- year head volleyball coach

Camilla Ah Hoy was adapting to losing her voice.

“I lost it at the beginning of the season, and I still really haven’t gotten it back,” said Ah Hoy. “I haven’t been yelling or any- thing — they’re a fun group to coach—I just have a sensitive voice that doesn’t project well.”

Projecting her philosophy has been a rousing success, however, as she led the team to wins in eight of their first nine OIA East matches, heading into their season finale with Moanalua last Thursday. That allowed them to clinch a first-round bye for next week’s OIA post-season tournament.

The only blemish was a tough loss to Farrington, but Kahuku rebounded with three straight wins and figures to be on the hunt for yet another OIA title as well as placing itself among teams favored to win the Division I state title. Of Kahuku’s eight wins, all but one was a 2-0 sweep. This week, the Red Raiders are catching their collective breath. Ah Hoy planned to give them Monday off.

“They’ve been going pretty hard since the beginning of the season, so I want them to focus on their studies and take care of themselves.”

And they haven’t peaked yet, which Ah Hoy considers a good thing. “It will be scary if we’re all on the same day. We have a nice, balanced team. If one is off, usually the others pick it up. Our setter was hurt and missed four games, so we’re just coming around. These girls are so competitive that anyone on the team could be a starter.”

The setter is senior transfer Penina Snuka, who overcame an ankle injury to finish the season strong. Her arrival from Utah has figured big in a lineup that already welcomed back two of top players, veterans Talia Brown and Pati Anae.

“If our leaders show up (in the playoffs), that will be a key factor,” Ah Hoy said. “If they all play up to their potential and give their all, they’ll be winners in my book.”