'They're a special group': Ka Makani boys volleyball makes quick work of Lions

HPA bounces back from previous losses with dominant straight-set win over Makua Lani Christian Academy

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:05am

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The Hawaii Preparatory Academy boys volleyball team bounced back from two previous losses with a dominant straight-set victory over Makua Lani Christian Academy on Thursday night. Led by strong serving from seniors Vasco Freitas and Kanoa Kekuewa, Ka Makani cruised to set wins of 25-10, 25-6, and 25-19 to improve to 2-2 on the season. HPA head coach Daena Craven praised her veteran-laden squad, saying 'They're a special group' with many players who have been together for four years.

Why it matters

HPA is the defending BIIF Division-II champion, having won eight straight matches last season. With several key returners, the team is looking to repeat as island champs this year. This bounce-back win after two previous losses shows the team is finding its rhythm and chemistry as the season progresses.

The details

Ka Makani came out firing on all cylinders, jumping out to a 13-3 lead in the first set behind Freitas' strong serving. They won that set 25-10 and then dominated the second set 25-6 with Kekuewa leading the serving. Makua Lani put up more of a fight in the third set, but HPA was able to close out the match 25-19. The win improved HPA's record to 2-2 on the season, while Makua Lani dropped to 0-3.

  • The match took place on Thursday night inside Castle Gymnasium.
  • HPA previously dropped its two prior matches before this win.
  • Ka Makani will face Honoka'a in a quick rematch at 10 a.m. on Friday morning.

The players

Vasco Freitas

A senior at HPA who had strong serving to help the team jump out to an early lead in the first set.

Kanoa Kekuewa

A senior at HPA who had strong serving in the second set to help Ka Makani pull away.

Daena Craven

The head coach of the HPA boys volleyball team, who praised her veteran-laden squad as a 'special group' with many players who have been together for four years.

Makua Lani Christian Academy

The visiting opponent that HPA defeated in straight sets, dropping their record to 0-3 on the season.

Hawaii Preparatory Academy

The home team that bounced back from two previous losses with this dominant win, improving their record to 2-2 on the season.

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What they’re saying

“'We got a little off track because of spring break, but I'm super happy with how we've been practicing (lately). They did what we have asked.'”

— Daena Craven, HPA head coach

“'Many of them have together for four years; they're a special group.'”

— Daena Craven, HPA head coach

“'They're a group of really smart athletes. We have soccer players, basketball players, paddlers...they all come from different places and activities. Now, we're trying to transition into becoming a volleyball team.'”

— Daena Craven, HPA head coach

What’s next

Ka Makani will have a quick turnaround, set to face Honoka'a at 10 a.m. on Friday morning inside Castle Gymnasium. The match will serve as a quick rematch, as HPA handled the Dragons in four sets in its Feb. 24 season opener.

The takeaway

This win shows that the veteran-led HPA boys volleyball team is finding its rhythm and chemistry after a couple early-season losses. With several key returners from last year's championship squad, Ka Makani is poised to make another run at the BIIF Division-II title if they can continue to play with the focus and intensity they displayed in this dominant performance.