By Paul Honda
Editor
HondaReport.com
Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004

WAHIAWA—Hail to the sophomores, for they have led the Lady Trojans to victory.

Lia Nishikura’s serving sparked a 13-5 run in game three, rallying Mililani over Leilehua 25-16, 22-25, 25-22 Saturday at the Mules’ gym.

The Lady Trojans trailed 17-12 in the third set, and were still down, 20-17 when Nishikura stepped to the back line to serve.

With the 5-foot-5 sophomore serving, Mililani scored five points in a row. Unforced errors by the Mules allowed the Lady Trojans to close the match out rather easily.

“That was our key to getting back in the game,” Mililani head coach James Keamo said. “It made it possible for us to play.”

The road win against their archrival helped Mililani crack the win column. The Lady Trojans are 1-2 in O’ahu Interscholastic Association West play.

Leilehua, a team expected to contend for a playoff spot, slipped to 0-3.

“They were in the same boat as us,” Keamo said. “We needed the win. It’s a boost for our morale.”

Another sophomore, Jasmine Pratt, helped with morale, as well. The 5-6 outside hitter came up with timely kills and solid defensive play for the Lady Trojans.

Mililani’s backrow play in the final game was sensational. Mari Narito, a 5-3 senior, kept Mililani’s rallies alive down the stretch with several key digs.

“Mililani played awesome defense. They’re scrappy, never say die,” Leilehua head coach Kory Toyozaki said. “You think the ball is dead, then it’s back up in the air.”

The Mules get a day off tomorrow before returning to the gym in search of an identity. “We start again Monday. We have a whole week to get back to basics,” Toyozaki said. “It’s a Jekyll-and-Hyde team. We look so much better at practice.”

Mililani rolled in game one, but Lia Chun sparked Leilehua’s comeback in game two. The 6-foot senior did a little of everything—defense, setting and swinging.

Errors, especially on serve-receive, did the Mules in game three.

Previous Article: Football: Updated Scores, Saturday, 7:30 a.m.
Next Article: Football: Artuyo's 4 TD passes lead Roosevelt over McKinley

Comments