Iolani's Bailey Choy had 8 kills to go along with 17 digs and 53 assists in a four set win over Kahuku. Peter Caldwell | SL

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10311508_1510_HHSAASemis_027.jpg - Peter Caldwell | SL

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Top-seeded Iolani defeated Kahuku in four sets, 25-23, 25-14, 22-25, 25-18 in the Hawaii High School Athletic Association/New City Nissan Volleyball Championships semifinals at McKinley's Student Council Gymnasium.

The Raiders make their first state title appearance in eight years and will face Kamehameha in a 2007 title game rematch. Iolani won its last state championship back in 2001.

"One more step for us and it's been a while since Iolani won an ILH championship and an opportunity to compete in states again. We're excited," said Iolani coach Kainoa Obrey.

"It's exciting and nerve wracking and a lot of emotions. We're really eager this week," said Moea Kekauoha.

Moea Kekauoha led the Raiders with 20 kills and 15 assists, Sierra Buscher added 15 kills and 15 digs and Tatiana Calimpong-Burke had 14 kills. Ana Oglivie had a team-high 19 digs.

"I got a lot of one-on-ones and I had more angles or lines and was able to execute that thanks to our middles and the set was always there and it was helpful," said Kekauoha.

"This is how we operate and how we're successful. In matches we lost, ball handling was a big issue and being able to distribute the ball. When we do it, it's pretty good and it's fun to watch to play that way," said Obrey, on his team spreading the wealth.

Bailey Choy helped guide the Iolani attack with 53 assists, 17 digs and eight kills.

"She runs down a bunch of tough passes and passes and makes it hittable for our players to take good swings. She's all over the court and we like that," said Obrey, on Choy.

Iolani and Kahuku traded blows down the stretch and the Raiders pulled off the first set, 25-23 after three straight kills from Tatiana Calimpong-Burke.

The Raiders jumped out to a quick start to take a 13-6 lead and pulled away late in the second set and took a 10-point lead to win, 25-14.

With their backs against the wall, Kahuku came out firing and later prevailed the third set. Phoebe Grace tied the game at 15 after her service ace. The Red Raiders later took a 23-19 lead, before Iolani rallied to make it, 24-22. Cheyenne Teo's kill clinched the set for the Red Raiders.

Teo led the Red Raiders with 11 kills and Carey Williams added 10 kills. Jasmine Niutupuivaha had seven block assists and a solo block. 

"The third, Kahuku is a good team and they came out to compete. We paid for it and gave some points away and going into game four we talked about taking care of our side," said Obrey.

"After we lost the third, we understood what mistakes we made and it helped in the fourth. We talked about our errors and making Kahuku earn their points," said Kekauoha.

The Raiders settled down to jump out to a 11-3 lead and later made it 15-7 forcing Kahuku to call a timeout. The Red Raiders rallied and brought the deficit down to four, 19-15. Iolani went on a 4-0 run and later won, 25-18 after Calimpong-Burke's kill.

Kahuku will play Moanalua at 3:30 p.m. at Blaisdell before the D2 title game.