Red Raiders Return to Title Stage with Commanding Win Over Sabers

Red Raiders Return to Title Stage with Commanding Win Over Sabers

Nov 1, 2025

PHOTO CREDIT: CJ CARAANG

Red Raiders Return to Title Stage with Commanding Win Over Sabers

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 1, 2025

The Kahuku Red Raiders are heading back to familiar ground — the OIA Open Division Championship.

Behind a ferocious defense and big plays through the air, the Red Raiders defeated Campbell 24–6 on Friday night at John Kauinana Stadium to earn another trip to the title game. With the win, Kahuku will look to claim its fifth OIA crown in six seasons and extend its record to 31 league championships overall.

Early Exchange

Campbell delivered the first strike late in the opening quarter when Brayden Medeiros found Shaison Kupukaa for a 20-yard touchdown. The extra point was blocked, but the Sabers led 6–0 — briefly.

Just a minute later, Christian Sanford-Tupuola hauled in a 79-yard touchdown reception from Troy Mariteragi, turning the momentum immediately in Kahuku’s favor.

“We just had to get on the ball,” Sanford-Tupuola said afterward. “We had a big speech by our team leaders, and that really got us going. Once we started clicking, we just kept driving down the field.”

Defense Takes Control

The Red Raiders’ defense took over from there, smothering Campbell’s run game and forcing two interceptions.

Early in the third quarter, defensive back Taimua Pule jumped a pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown, putting Kahuku ahead 14–6 and sending the Red Raider sideline into celebration.

Campbell’s offense — despite 115 passing yards from Medeiros — couldn’t find a rhythm against Kahuku’s pressure. Defensive standouts Siale Reid and Talanoa Ili anchored the front, while Pule’s pick-six and tight coverage from the secondary stifled any comeback attempts.

Twin Towers Take Flight

Sanford-Tupuola wasn’t done setting the tone for the passing game. His chemistry with Mariteragi showed throughout the night.

“We’ve been with Troy since baby days — JPS, big boys,” Sanford-Tupuola said. “We always had that chemistry and kept building it up.”

In the fourth quarter, Mariteragi found Rhino Aumua for an 11-yard touchdown, sealing the win and completing a big night for Kahuku’s tall receiving tandem.

“Yo, Rhino got in on a TD too,” Sanford-Tupuola laughed. “The big guys — the Twin Towers — got in on the action tonight.”

Red Raiders Pull Away

Jadyn Parker added a 52-yard field goal midway through the final period, rounding out a balanced Kahuku performance that showcased offense, defense, and special teams.

Mariteragi finished 10-for-18 for 142 yards and two touchdowns, while Sanford-Tupuola led all receivers with four catches for 116 yards and a score.

“It feels great knowing we lost [the state championship] last year,” Sanford-Tupuola said. “We just want to come back and win it all — show people we’re not gone, we’re still here.”

Standout Performances

  • Troy Mariteragi: 10-of-18, 142 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

  • Christian Sanford-Tupuola: 4 receptions, 116 yards, 1 TD

  • Taimua Pule: 40-yard interception return for TD

  • Jadyn Parker: 52-yard field goal, 3 extra points

  • Brayden Medeiros (Campbell): 14-of-28, 115 yards, 1 TD

Kahuku’s defense limited Campbell to just 115 passing yards and forced three turnovers, while the Red Raiders’ balanced approach and playoff poise carried them through another semifinal test.

What’s Next

The Red Raiders will meet Kapolei for the OIA Open Division Championship on Nov. 8 at Farrington’s Kusunoki Field at Edward “Skippa” Diaz Stadium, aiming to defend their crown and capture a 31st league title.

Campbell will face Mililani in the third-place game, with the winner earning the OIA’s final berth in the four-team Open Division state tournament.

PHOTOS BY CJ CARAANG

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Hurricanes Power Past Trojans, Advance to First OIA Open Championship Appearance

Hurricanes Power Past Trojans, Advance to First OIA Open Championship Appearance

Nov 1, 2025

PHOTO CREDIT: CJ CARAANG

Hurricanes Power Past Trojans, Advance to First OIA Open Championship Appearance

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 1, 2025

The Kapolei Hurricanes are headed to uncharted territory.

With a hard-fought 21–14 win over the Mililani Trojans at John Kauinana Stadium Friday night, Kapolei earned its first-ever berth in the OIA Open Division Championship game.

Behind a relentless rushing attack, clutch defense, and poise under pressure, the Hurricanes avenged a regular-season loss and silenced the home crowd in Mililani — setting up a title showdown next week against perennial powerhouse Kahuku.

First-Half Fireworks

Behind a bruising ground game and a resilient defensive front, the Kapolei Hurricanes punched their ticket to the OIA Open Division Championship.

Kapolei struck first midway through the opening quarter when Zeph Salis found daylight for a 27-yard touchdown run. The Hurricanes doubled their advantage early in the second, as running back Chazz-Michael Kapahu capped a steady drive with a one-yard score to put Kapolei up 14–0 at halftime.

Trojans Battle Back

Mililani rallied after the break when running back Jarius Borges jolted the Trojans’ sideline with a 49-yard touchdown scamper late in the third quarter.

Early in the fourth, Dallas Carter connected with Luke VanAntwerp on a 12-yard strike to even the score at 14–14, shifting the pressure squarely back onto the Hurricanes.

Kapolei Takes Control

Kapolei’s response came swiftly.

Less than a minute after Mililani’s equalizer, Valoia Amitoelau broke loose for an 11-yard touchdown run that restored the lead for good. The Hurricanes’ offensive line continued to impose its will, clearing paths for Kapahu, who racked up a career-high 148 rushing yards on 23 carries.

Quarterback Jacob Ballesteros managed the game efficiently, completing 9 of 15 passes for 96 yards and no turnovers—an area the team had emphasized since its regular-season loss to Kahuku.

Defensive Highlights

Kapolei’s defense sealed the win with timely stops and takeaways.

Toa Leffler came up big with two interceptions, while Amate Taimatuia and Kaimana Sione each recorded sacks to disrupt Mililani’s rhythm. The Trojans’ passing duo of Kekoa Koong and Carter combined for 179 yards but were intercepted three times by the Hurricanes.

Standout Performances

  • Chazz-Michael Kapahu: 23 carries, 148 yards, 1 TD
  • Valoia Amitoelau: 6 carries, 53 yards, game-winning TD
  • Zeph Salis: rushing TD and 35 punt-return yards
  • Toa Leffler: 2 INTs and 4 tackles

After the game, Kapahu credited his offensive line.

“My O-line gave me amazing blocks tonight—big gaps all game,” he said. “We just kept our heads up, kept pushing, and focused on ball security after learning from the loss to Kahuku.”

What’s Next

The Hurricanes will now face Kahuku for the OIA Open Division title at Farrington next Saturday, chasing the program’s first football championship in school history.

With renewed confidence and a balanced attack, Kapolei heads into the final believing this time could be different.

PHOTOS BY CJ CARAANG

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Rainbow Wahine and Sharks Share Valuable Takeaways from Exhibition Game in Honolulu

Rainbow Wahine and Sharks Share Valuable Takeaways from Exhibition Game in Honolulu

Oct 29, 2025

Photo by Brian Bautista, Hawaii Sports Radio Network

Rainbow Wahine and Sharks Share Valuable Takeaways from Exhibition Game in Honolulu

HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 29, 2025

The University of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Pacific University women’s basketball faced off in an exhibition that offered both programs valuable early lessons. The Division I Rainbow Wahine came away with a 74–34 win over the Division II Sharks on Tuesday night, showing flashes of their up-tempo potential while also revealing areas for improvement.

LISTEN TO THE BROADCAST HERE:

Fast Start and Relentless Pace

UH jumped out to an early 17–6 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, holding HPU to just 25% shooting overall. The Rainbow Wahine dominated inside with a 54–6 advantage in points in the paint and pushed the tempo for 19 fast-break points. Senior forward Imani Perez led the way with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two steals, while freshman Bailey Flavell added 12 points, six boards, and three assists in her second collegiate game.

Head coach Laura Beeman praised her team’s tempo and selflessness but emphasized that the energy stood out even more than execution. “We don’t always play efficiently, but I love our pace. I love that they get excited when they can get downhill,” Beeman said. “When you don’t have to coach effort, you can coach the things that win ballgames.”

Perez–Neverson Frontcourt Shows Chemistry

Perez and transfer forward Saniyah Neverson were nearly unstoppable in the frontcourt, combining for 27 points on 12-for-16 shooting.

Beeman highlighted how their chemistry allows flexibility in the offense: “Saniyah’s a really smart player… we read off each other really well,” Perez added. “Both of our IQs together really help the team out.”

Freshmen Make Immediate Impact

New Zealand native Bailey Flavell looked confident in transition and comfortable directing the pace. “I think just playing back home helped me make my reads,” she said. “Coming here, I’ve got such good bigs and teammates—it’s just about making the right reads.”

Beeman noted that her overseas recruits arrive well-prepared.

“They’ve all played at a really high level,” she explained. “In New Zealand and Australia, they’re training to represent their country. When they come in, it’s our job to teach them the physicality and pace of American basketball.”

Sharks Show Grit in Exhibition

Despite the lopsided score, the exhibition offered valuable first-game experience for the Division II Sharks, who entered the night with 17 new players and an almost entirely rebuilt roster under first-year head coach Brent Gibson.

Before tipoff, Gibson said the night was about “seeing 17 brand new people come together” and finding out how the group would respond under the lights against a Division I opponent. “I think you’re going to see a group that plays hard, competes, and really plays for each other,” he said. “The key for us is handling pressure, being strong with the ball, and taking what we call ‘gold medal shots’—wide-open threes or good looks at the rim.”

Local standouts Mia Frye and Kalysa Marie Ng anchored HPU’s backcourt, with Frye providing energy and early scoring while Ng—back home from junior college—handled primary point guard duties.

Transfer forward Abbey Hadsell, praised by Gibson pregame for her ability to “stretch defenses and guard multiple positions,” showed that versatility with seven points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Freshman Kyla Hopton led all Sharks with 11 points on 4-for-10 shooting, including three triples.

Gibson said he was proud of how his local players embraced the opportunity to perform in front of friends and family. “For them to play in their hometown, in this kind of atmosphere, that’s special,” he noted.

Building Toward the Opener

For Beeman, the exhibition served as the perfect bridge between practice and the season’s first test. “Tonight’s physicality and pace were much better for us,” she said. “HPU came out hungry, they were physical and scrappy—that’s exactly what we needed before Portland State.”

The Rainbow Wahine open their regular season on November 4 against Portland State. The Sharks will take valuable experience from facing Division I competition into another exhibition, hosting North West Indian College on November 10 in the Shark Tank.

Final Score: Hawai‘i 74, Hawai‘i Pacific 34
Leading Scorers: UH – Perez 14, Neverson 13, Flavell 12; HPU – Hopton 11, Hadsell 7

Player shoots the basketball against the other team | Photo: Michael Lasquero

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UH-Hilo and HPU Shine at 2025 Sharks Shootout at Pearl at Kalauao

UH-Hilo and HPU Shine at 2025 Sharks Shootout at Pearl at Kalauao

Oct 28, 2025

UH-Hilo and HPU Shine at 2025 Sharks Shootout at Pearl at Kalauao

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 28, 2025

‘AIEA – The 2025 Southwest Airlines HPU Sharks Shootout wrapped up a spirited weekend of collegiate golf on O‘ahu, as the University of Hawai‘i–Hilo men and Hawai‘i Pacific University women captured team titles at Pearl at Kalauao.

The two-day tournament showcased seven men’s and seven women’s NCAA Division II programs competing across 36 and 54 holes respectively, with the newly renovated Pearl layout serving as a scenic and challenging stage for student-athletes from across the West Region.

Vulcans Rise in the Men’s Field

UH Hilo’s men’s team delivered a steady and composed performance to claim the team title at 892 (+28), fending off Cal State San Bernardino (+43) and Missouri–St. Louis (+48). The Vulcans’ depth proved decisive, led by Dylan Bercan, who finished runner-up individually at +6 (222). Teammates Jordan Sato (+9) and Ben Crinella (+10) joined him inside the top 10, rounding out a balanced showing that secured Hilo its first Sharks Shootout crown since 2021.

Host Hawai‘i Pacific University placed fourth at +52 (916), while Northwest Nazarene, Saint Martin’s, and Chaminade followed in the standings.

Sharks Sweep the Women’s Division

On the women’s side, the hometown HPU Sharks surged to the top of the leaderboard, finishing with a two-day total of 628 (+52) to claim the team championship. Sophomore standout Shuiyun He captured individual medalist honors with rounds of 77–77 (+10), while teammate Isabella Iorio (+12) took second and Paige Sur (+15) tied for fifth—sealing a near-sweep of the top positions for HPU.

Seattle Pacific (+71) and UH Hilo (+75) rounded out the top three, followed by Texas A&M–Kingsville, Saint Martin’s, Northwest Nazarene, and Colorado Mesa.

Growing Tradition of Golf Excellence

The event showcased HPU’s growing presence in collegiate golf while highlighting Hawai‘i’s role as a destination for West Region competition. Pearl at Kalauao—formerly known as Pearl Country Club—proved an ideal host venue with its challenging course layout, renovated clubhouse, and enhanced short-game practice areas that reflect the course’s ongoing commitment to excellence.

“Pearl at Kalauao continues to be a special place for competition and connection,” said course general manager Ed Kageyama, whose team helped host players and spectators throughout the two-day event. “It’s inspiring to see Hawai‘i schools and mainland programs come together in the spirit of friendly rivalry and aloha.”

Spectators enjoyed free admission and perfect late-October conditions overlooking Pu‘uloa and the Wai‘anae Range, as the Shootout added another memorable chapter to the islands’ golf legacy.

For full scoring and individual results, visit 2025 HPU Sharks Shootout Results.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW LEE
INSTAGRAM @ANDREWLEEHI

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

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

Oct 23, 2025

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

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 23, 2025

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.

LISTEN TO THE BROADCAST

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.

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Roosevelt Rallies to Capture OIA Division II Championship in Five-Set Thriller

Roosevelt Rallies to Capture OIA Division II Championship in Five-Set Thriller

Oct 22, 2025

Roosevelt captures their first OIA girls volleyball title since 2011. | Photo by Michael Lasquero, Hawai’i Sports Radio Network

Roosevelt Rallies to Capture OIA Division II Championship in Five-Set Thriller

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED OCTOBER, 2025

HONOLULU — It was a night that tested every ounce of resolve the Roosevelt Rough Riders had — and they passed with championship colors. After dropping the opening set 25–8 in stunning fashion, Roosevelt regrouped and stormed back to defeat the Leilehua Mules in five sets (8–25, 26–24, 25–17, 25–27, 15–4) to capture the OIA Division II crown on Wednesday night.

LISTEN TO THE BROADCAST

First-Set Shock, Then a Spark

The match began as a nightmare for the Rough Riders, who fell behind 18–0 before finally registering a point. Leilehua dominated the net behind Zraia Tolentino and Cali Moniz-Kealoha, suffocating Roosevelt’s attack and cruising to a 25–8 opening set.
But rather than crumble, Roosevelt head coach Jarin Lubong urged calm and trust.

“We just had to settle down and trust each other,” Lubong said postgame. “United we stand, divided we fall. Once the girls got that message, everything started clicking.”

The momentum began to shift in the second set. Behind steadier passing and sharper defense, Roosevelt went point-for-point with Leilehua. With the score tied at 23, Hilinai Kahawai and Alana Lewis delivered back-to-back plays — a kill and an ace — to seal the 26–24 win and even the match at one set apiece.

Roosevelt Takes Control

With the tension broken, Roosevelt’s confidence surged. Setter Nevaeh Brown orchestrated a balanced attack, connecting repeatedly with outside hitter Kaycie Garnett, who came alive with a string of kills and service aces. Roosevelt jumped out early and never looked back in the third set, rolling to a 25–17 victory.

Defensively, the Rough Riders’ adjustments paid dividends. Lubong switched from a perimeter to rotational defense, positioning his players to neutralize Moniz-Kealoha’s favored line shot.

“We knew what Leilehua had and made adjustments,” Lubong explained. “We moved our center back to take away that line, and it worked.”

Leilehua Fights Back

Leilehua refused to go quietly. Sparked by their front line, the Mules clawed through a back-and-forth fourth set that featured 11 ties and multiple momentum swings. Despite Garnett’s relentless scoring and Kahawai’s timely kills, Leilehua’s defense came up clutch down the stretch, earning key blocks from Tolentino and Maria Koreti Vaa to take the set 27–25 and force a decisive fifth.

Championship Composure

With everything on the line, Roosevelt’s young squad played like seasoned veterans. Garnett opened the fifth set with a pair of aces, Itoga added kills from the middle, and Brown’s precise setting kept the Mules on their heels. The Rough Riders dominated 15–4 to clinch their first OIA title in years.

For Garnett — named the Fun Factory VIP of the Game — the championship was the culmination of months of growth and grit.

“It means everything,” Garnett said. “Our team is young, we have so much potential, and this is just the beginning. We still have states to go, but I’m so proud of what we did this season.”

After a rocky start, Roosevelt’s unity and resilience carried them to the finish line.

“That girl wants it — she’s always wanted it,” Coach Lubong said of Garnett. “I’m so proud of her and how she led this team tonight.”

Fun Factory VIP of the Game: Kaycie Garnett

The outside hitter delivered a signature performance when it mattered most — leading Roosevelt’s comeback with clutch kills, pinpoint serving, and on-court leadership that steadied her team through adversity.

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