The Eagles (4-0), defending ILH and state champions for division II, were able to overcome a disappointing first set loss to win the final two sets and deal the division I Raiders (5-1) their first loss of the season 26-28, 25-19, 25-15.
HBA took a 17-10 lead in the first set, only to see Iolani pull even at 18-18. From that point, the teams exchanged leads, went to extra time, and exchanged set points before the Raiders held on for a 28-26 first set victory. Thereafter, HBA was able to rely on aggressive serving, solid defense and diversified attacking to keep Iolani off balance. The Eagles jumped out to quick leads and controlled each of the final two sets in earning their first victory over Iolani since the 2004 season.
Iolani is the defending state runner-up in division I and has received considerable pre-season recognition both locally and nationally this year. The Raiders will travel to the prestigious Durango Tournament in Las Vegas later this month.
In the ILH girls varsity volleyball season format, all 16 division I and II teams play each other in an integrated first round round-robin. However, the teams then play a single-elimination divisional tournament for the second round. There are six schools in division I and ten in division II, with classification based on school enrollment.
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