Three Area Players Make OIA West First Team In Volleyball

If Pearl City High School’s Kaya Chong managed to maintain a sense of urgency on the volleyball court this fall, it was in large part because she had to make up for lost time. Her junior season was completely wiped out by a torn ACL.

The senior outside hitter figured big in the 2012 season, helping lead the Chargers to an 11-7 mark, as well as a third straight appearance in the Division I state volleyball tournament.

Chong recently was recognized for her efforts, as she was named to the OIA’s West First Team All-Conference list. (League all-star teams are selected in a vote of league coaches at season’s end.)

With Chong leading the way, the Chargers had a 9-7 record in matches against OIA teams and had two four-game win streaks. They also placed senior libero Kacie Chinen on the league’s Second Team.

Pearl City’s Kory Toyozaki was selected as West’s Coach of the Year by her peers. She also led her team to a state tournament appearance in her first year at the school.

The Chargers also had six players – Courtney Mersberg, Kara Aiwohi, Johnnai Kapua, Taylor Inong, Brittani Pascua and McKayla Apo – among the West’s Honorable Mentions.

Sophomore Shekinah Clarke of Campbell High School was chosen for the West’s First Team after helping lead the Sabers to an 8-5 record. The volleyball team came on late in the season with a three-game win streak that included victories over Kapolei, Leilehua and Roosevelt, but fell short of earning a state tournament berth.

Campbell senior Marie Togialilua was a Second Team selection, while teammates Brandi Wilson, Deja Ibana, Cira Delizo, Jolinalyn Achiu, Cira Delizo and Deja Ibana were all Honorable Mentions.

Kapolei High School senior Kalala Tino earned First Team honors after being a big contributor to the Hurricanes’ 6-5 season. Teammate Kaitlyn Lanier, a junior, was named to the Second Team. Sasha Mareko, Savannah Baldomero, Annika San Nicolas and Bray Hitzeman were named Honorable Mentions from Kapolei.

Aiea High School’s Megan Maafala-Maiava and Nicole Puaa of Waipahu round out the Second Team in the West. Aiea also had Taylorlynn Noga, Leleo Maeva, Marissah Martinez, Erica Montgomery, Christene Ragudos, Tiara Navarro and Kelli Matsuo as Honorable Mentions.

Receiving Honorable Mention from Waipahu were Lauren Tauanu’u, Maya Suaava, Tammy Viliamu, Jennice Bautista, Anjahnee Miranda and Jaslynn To.