Top-seeded Punahou sweeps past Kalaheo


Punahou's Sean Gruebner puts a kill attempt past the block of Kalaheo's Jordyn Reindollar. Peter Caldwell | Special to SL
Top-seeded Punahou eliminated Kalaheo with a three-set sweep, 25-15, 25-23, 25-19, to make a return trip to the title game of the New City Nissan Division I Boys Volleyball Championships.

Sean Gruebner put down 13 kills, and added two digs, two blocks and two aces for the Buffanblu, junior outside hitter Tui Tuileta notched 10 kills, 6 digs, 2 blocks and an ace, and fellow junior Kupono Fey served up five aces to along with 9 kills, 6 digs and block.

Kalaheo's Nainoa Frank had a match-high 15 kills and added four blocks.

Punahou, who lost in last year's final to Kamehameha-Kapalama, will take on Kamehameha-Hawaii in this year's title game set to follow the Division II championship match between Hawaii Baptist and Seabury Hall.

The Buffanblu have won four of the six Division I titles since 2005, and have a total of 29 state titles in Boys Volleyball overall.