The Lunas celebrate after winning a point. Lahainaluna avenged its first round loss to the Mustangs from a year ago with the victory. Steve Erler | SL

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Justin Quitoriano wasn't going to let his senior year end the same way it did a season ago.

The Lahainaluna senior dished out 49 assists to help the Lunas advance over Kalaheo in five sets in the first round of the New City Nissan/Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division I Boys Volleyball Championships at Kalani High School Tuesday night.

The Lunas won by set scores of 23-25, 25-16, 25-23, 16-25, and 15-7 to avenge their first round loss to the Mustangs in last year's state tournament.

"We feel better because we got them back, but it was a good game though, we both fought hard," said Quitoriano.

Justin Valdez led the Lunas with 18 kills and 18 digs, Kiakahi Kenolio-Dusenberry added 15 kills and 15 digs and Pono Murray chipped in 12 more kills to round out the top hitters for Lahainaluna, who will play third-seeded KS-Hawaii in the quarterfinals.

Lahainaluna led for most of the first set, but gave up a late run by Kalaheo to drop game one by two.

"We kind of let ourselves relax and let them have the lead," said Quitoriano. "We should have never let that."

Despite a noticeable size disadvantage that the Lunas against the Mustangs, Lahainaluna kept fighting thanks to a defense that kept balls alive.

"We're not a good coverage team, but we can pick up balls," said Quitoriano.

The Lunas were able to storm back to win game two decisively, 25-16, and came up clutch in set three to take a two sets to one lead.

Kalaheo came back to force a decisive game five, but Lahainaluna gathered itself and was able to benefit from the Mustangs' miscues to win the match.

Leading Kalaheo in the loss was Kainoa Peterson, who had a match-high 34 kills.

Mililani dominates McKinley in straight sets

In the Moanalua bracket, Oahu Interscholastic Association runner-up Mililani made quick work of McKinley, 25-6, 25-15. 25-13 to move on to face fourth-seeded King Kekaulike, the Maui Interscholastic League champion.

Isaac Liva had 11 kills and three blocks to lead the Trojans. Kamalu Kaaa added nine kills and Chance Guillermo and Sili Fuiava each had eight kills apiece.

Joseph Abe had five kills and seven digs for the Tigers.

Kahuku takes down Waiakea in four sets

The night cap of the Moanalua bracket saw Kahuku defeat Waiakea in the first round with set scores of 25-19, 19-25, 26-24 and 25-22.

The Red Raiders will move on to face defending champion Punahou in the quarterfinals.

Keaunui Ah You had 10 kills and Alaifatu Tito chipped in seven more to lead Kahuku in the win.

Ty Nishimura finished with a match-high 15 kills to lead the Warriors.