Abregana’s Shift To Offense Good For Hurricanes’ Volleyball
For all the athleticism on the Kapolei girls volleyball roster, the family atmosphere that flows through the team was just as important in its winning streak, to hear player Jayleen Abregana tell it.
“We’re sisters on and off of the court,” she said of her team-mates. “I honestly feel like we play for each other.”
The Hurricanes have been the toast of the town lately after taking a 10-game win streak into last weekend’s OIA Red title game, where Kapolei was to meet the Menehunes of Moanalua.
The Hurricanes’ last loss as of press time was Sept. 9 to Mililani in the first week of the season.
They returned the favor last week in the OIA semifinals, defeating the Trojans 25-23, 25-22 and 25-19 to advance to the title game.
Abregana figured huge in Kapolei’s semifinal win with 13 kills and nine digs.
Since joining the program as a freshman libero (defensive specialist) in the fall of 2013, Abregana has blossomed as an outside hitter after being shifted there.
“It was after our (preseason) trip to Maui, that Gams (head coach Naidah Gamurot) switched me (to a hitter position),” she recalled.
Despite standing just 5-foot-2, Abregana plays much taller, thanks to her considerable leaping ability.
As the team looks ahead to the start of this weekend’s Division I state tournament, Abregana recently took some time to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest volleyball-related memory? When I was 10 and I went to the Mainland and stayed in Anaheim (Calif.). It was a good experience trip-wise and volleyball-wise.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My papa (Jerry) and grandma (Sarah Kaina). They’re my No. 1 fans on and off of the court. They support me 24/7.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through athletics? Size doesn’t matter. It’s about the ability that you have and the heart that you put into a game.
Who are Kapolei’s best “practice players” — the girls who put out the best effort every day? Kara (Koverman-Taylor), Annika (San Nicolas), Savannah (Baldomero) and Shekinah (Clarke). All of the seniors on the court push us to do better.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? I’m on Instagram all day.
What is your least favorite household chore? There are plenty — doing the dishes.
What movie could you watch over and over? Twilight. I love that movie.
Who are three of your favorite musical artists? Sam Smith, Na Leo Pilimehana and John Legend.
When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? With family and friends. We watch movies most of the time.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Squid luau.
If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you most like to meet? I would like to meet (actress) Jessica Alba.
jackster.1969@yahoo.com
