Molokai Girls Volleyball Finishes on Top

The girls of Kime Ka La outplayed 16 teams to capture the gold medal at the Aloha State Games Women’s B division on June 29. 

By Kimberly Helm 

June turned out to be a winning month for the Molokai Girls Volleyball Club. Playing on Oahu, which hosts the largest club region in the state, Kime Ka La came out on top in two of the three largest, most competitive and highly respected tournaments in the state.

On June 7 to 9, the club played in two competitive Aloha Region Juniors Tournaments. On the first day's tournament, the club experienced high caliber competition, playing against some of the toughest 18's club teams in the state. Although the club did not make it to the top pool, it stayed competitive throughout the tournament. The second day's tournament was an open junior’s tournament that also included two boys’ teams. Kime Ka La went on to win the tournament with a perfect record of 6-0.

With only a week to prepare, the club returned to Oahu on June 20 to 22 to compete in the Aloha State Games Women's A Division. The division featured current and past collegiate club players. Pool play merged the A division with the open division and the club quickly realized that these women could still play at a very high level. Kime Ka La went on to capture the bronze medal.

The club returned to Molokai for three days of practice and returned to Oahu to compete in their final club tournament on June 27 and 29. The Aloha State Games Women's B division featured 16 teams from across the state. Being that the club is the defending Haili Women's B champions, Kime Ka La's youthful club was the target for teams to beat. After placing second (5-1) in the first day of pool play, Kime Ka La was ready to step up to the challenge in the second day of competition. The team returned to the tournament and played flawless to complete pool play at 6-0, finishing 25-15 in the final to win the gold medal.

Earning the respect in the world of club volleyball is not an easy task and these girls faced the challenge and represented their community of Molokai with humility, dignity and pride. The club members gained meaningful learning experiences that will prepare them well for high school and college competition.

On behalf of the club, coaches Kim Helm and Cheryl Ramos would like to thank the many people and organizations who have made donations, supported their fundraisers and made the time to help them prepare for their season.

“Our successful season reflects the positive environment our girls have had the privilege to be surrounded by,” said Helm.

To Julyn, Alana and the Kaupu Ohana thank you for your wonderful hospitality, you gave us a home away from home (Yah Pearl City!). We would like to thank our parents & families for supporting our philosophies of hard work, respect, discipline and dedication. Thank you for being so understanding and supportive of our passion for the game of volleyball.

Dana, Becky, Darren, Ross & Gramps Takashima Steve, Kulia, Lihau & Kamalu Keliikuli-Peters Va'ai, Naomi & Jericho (Uso) Seumalo Tiare, Tom, Keola, Nanea & Kamaki Ritte-Manangan Michael, Mele, Mikey, & Tristian Hooper Maria, Larry, Melani, Hale, Mahea, Buddy, & Kolu Rawlins Kathy & Walter Mendes Shane, Puanani, La'a, Kea, & Pueo Surmanap Jim Boy & Jalyn Duvauchelle Scarlett, Ka'o, & Da TItas Ritte-Camara Dan, Cheryl, Amber & Michael Sterner Bill, Esther, Braddahs & Sistahs Torres-Umi Tammy, Norman, Tiana, Taupou, & Kaili Levi

Your daughters are a true reflection of careful parenting, unconditional love and pure heart! We are truly and sincerely thankful! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!