Kahuku Captures OIA Division I Crown in Five-Set Classic Over Moanalua

HONOLULU — In a match that delivered every ounce of drama expected from Hawai‘i high school volleyball’s big stage, the Kahuku Red Raiders outlasted Na Menehune of Moanalua in a five-set thriller (24–26, 25–20, 24–26, 25–19, 15–12) to capture the OIA Division I Championship on Wednesday night.

Championship Resilience

After trading momentum through four grueling sets, Kahuku’s grit and composure shined brightest in the deciding frame. Led by sophomore outside hitter Makamae Schilling, the Red Raiders built an early lead and never looked back, sealing the title with a 15–12 fifth-set victory.

For head coach Lesina Manutai, who completed her first full season at the helm after serving as interim last year, the championship marked a culmination of trust, belief, and steady growth.

“I’m just so proud of them,” Manutai said. “We’ve been working really hard all season — building trust, staying patient, grinding it out. I’m so grateful for how far they’ve come.”

Back-and-Forth Battle

The night opened with Moanalua claiming the first set 26–24 behind the balanced attack of Surfia Grounds and Miya Waikiki. Kahuku responded in the second, dominating the service line with Talia Soliai-Tui’s aces and strong middle play from Ana Kaufusi and Haley Kotobalavu to even the match at one set apiece.

The third set saw another tight duel, with both sides trading long rallies and defensive gems. Moanalua edged Kahuku again, 26–24, to move one set away from the title. But just like their head coach preached all season, the Red Raiders refused to fold.

Kahuku roared back with an emphatic 25–19 fourth-set win, powered by Schilling’s kills and Soliai-Tui’s steady presence from the service line. The crowd’s energy reached a fever pitch heading into the decisive fifth, where Kahuku’s depth and defense took over.

Blocks from Kaufusi and the Lauhingoa sisters (Elenoa and Lamona) sealed crucial points, and Schilling’s clutch kills put the match away, earning her ‘Fun Factory VIP of the Game’ honors.

The Moment They Owned It

Schilling, one of the Red Raiders’ emotional leaders despite her youth, credited teamwork and mindset for the comeback.

“We had the mindset that we’re not losing this,” Schilling said. “We are not walking out of this gym without winning this thing and taking it home.”

She also praised Kahuku’s homegrown fan base for fueling their late push.

“We couldn’t have done it without them — 100 percent,” she added. “They lifted us up when we were low.”

Manutai echoed the sentiment, emphasizing how the battle-tested season — including multiple showdowns with Moanalua — prepared her team to handle the pressure.

“Hats off to Moanalua — they just wouldn’t go away,” she said. “It pushed our girls to stay focused, to grind, and to not take anything for granted.”

Fun Factory VIP of the Game: Makamae Schilling

The sophomore outside hitter delivered a championship-worthy performance, leading Kahuku with a mix of power and poise. Schilling’s offensive consistency and fearless leadership were pivotal in the Red Raiders’ fifth-set surge to secure the title.