Sports

Farmers Make History

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010

You could say it was history in the making.

The Lady Farmers laid the foundation in years prior – clinching three consecutive Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II titles and finishing third in last year’s state championships.

So when the Molokai High School girls volleyball team stepped out on the court last weekend as top contenders in the state tournament, they found themselves paving a road of gold – not only capturing their first D-II state title, but also the first by an MIL team.

“Fortunately I had a lot of kills,” Vaivai said. “But I really need to commend my teammates for getting my back.”

A strong team effort put forth by Molokai helped the Farmers overcome University, the Interscholastic League of Honolulu champions, in a 25-12, 25-10, 25-18 defeat at McKinley gym.

“This was a team we lost to in the pre-season,” Helm said. “It gave us another fire under our behinds to play even better.”

As the Farmers’ long emotional journey came to an end, many rushed to the floor in tears and celebration, embracing one another like family.

“We’re all like sisters because we went through so much together,” Vaivai said. “Our coach is also a huge part of this team. He always teaches life lessons and that there is no ‘I’ but ‘we.’

“We’re so proud we won this for him. He really deserves it.”

Helm said while he’s already pumped for next season, he’s going to enjoy this win for now.

“We’re still taking it all in… We’re so proud to bring home this trophy for everybody, for the community, for Molokai.”

Farmers Earn Third MIL Title

Monday, October 25th, 2010

It was almost a certainty they would do it again. The Lady Farmers not only clinched the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Div. II title for a third consecutive year, but earned themselves a seeded spot in the state tournament on Oahu.

Molokai High School’s volleyball team traveled to Maui last weekend, where they defeated both Lanai and Seabury Hall teams in the MIL Div. II Championship tournament.

In Thursday’s first semifinal match at the Lahainaluna gym, the Farmers (9-0) outlasted Lanai 25-8, 25-16, 25-19.

Kailana Ritte-Camara led Molokai’s scorers with 11 kills, followed by Kalei Vaivai with seven and Natalia Levi with six.

“Everybody got the chance to get out on the court and play,” said head coach Matt Helm.

On Friday, the Farmers were faced with slightly tougher competition, but managed to shut down Seabury Hall in a 25-12, 25-22, 20-25, 20-25, 15-11 win.

Helm said the girls “broke down” in the third and fourth sets, which was a test of their strength and will.

“They felt their backs up against the wall,” he added. “They realized they needed to snap out of it. They were playing very timid but got more aggressive… and played to win.”

Kalei Adolpho took the lead with 12 kills. Ritte-Camara trailed shortly behind with 10 kills, 13 digs and three aces, while Vaivai posted 10 kills and 12 digs, and Levi with 10 kills and three aces. But none of them could have done without Kawena Puhi, who recorded 41 assists for the Farmers.

“We really enjoy this,” Helm said of taking home the title once again. “Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the success of winning an MIL championship.”

Looking ahead to the state tournament, Helm hopes the girls stay “in the moment.”

“I don’t want them to look to far ahead, but I also don’t want them replaying what happened in the past whether it’s one second or five minutes ago,” he said.

The state championships are scheduled for Oct. 27-30 on Oahu.

Aiming High

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

Heading into the league championship, Molokai High School’s air riflery team is feeling confident after an impressive showing at last weekend’s meet.

Mia Mendija placed fourth in the girls division with an overall score of 213 of 300. Her teammate Hope Will was seventh with 202 overall.

“I’m proud of them,” said Coach David Kalani. “They’re progressing really well.”

On the boy’s side, MHS’s James Corpuz was tenth in the boy’s division with 221. Dallen Tancayo score 198 to place 19th while DJ Kaai was 21st with 194.

This weekend, the whole team will return to Maui for the MIL Championships on Oct. 16. Success there means a trip to the state championship Oct. 26.

“I feel kind of confident,” Kalani said. “We’re just crossing our fingers.”