Kamehameha Schools Maui’s girls volleyball celebrated their senior night with a 3-0 win against Baldwin, October 11, at a packed Ka’ulaheanuiokamoku Gymnasium.

“It’s always more excited when they’re there!” senior Shalia Kamakaokalani said of the crowd.

The Warriors closed it out in three sets. They played with energy and unity in the first two sets winning 25-18 and 25-12. The last set was dramatic, going back and forth until the Warriors ended it by winning with a score of 26-24.

The momentum was high during the entire game. “Baldwin was definitely ready for us!” Kamakaokalani said.

The win against Baldwin on senior night got everyone in high spirits to celebrate in a ceremony after the game, during which teammates, family and friends gave gifts to the senior girls.

Captain Kamakaokalani has been playing for four years alongside co-captain Taylor Awai.

“Taylor and Shalia have been with me for so long, four years…they’ve played close to almost 100 volleyball matches with me for the past four years, and it’s great because it’s like having two coaches on the court,” Head Coach Bala Spencer said.

Seniors Patricia Batoon and Charity Sadang were also recognized. Both have been on the team for only one year after transferring from Maui High and Baldwin last year, but have become, what Coach Bala calls, “good assets” for the team.

With the celebration done, the girls turn their attention to the next step, winning at each stage of the Maui Interscholastic League tournament. Their first game will be Tuesday, October 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Lāhainaluna High School.

update 10/14: We have received the tournament brackets, and the event schedule is as follows:

Monday, 10/14 (4th) BHS vs. (5th) LLHS @ 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, 10/15 (2nd) MHS vs (3rd) KKHS @ 5:00 p.m.

(1st) KSM vs winner of Monday’s BHS-LLHS game @ 6:30 p.m.

Friday 10/18 Final (winners of 2-3 semifinal and 1-4 or 5 semifinal) @ 6:30 p.m.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Photo by Destinee Murray

Taylor Awai digs against Baldwin, October 11, 2013.