ScoringLive staff
August 13, 2012, 3:39am
Punahou topped two respected California high schools, Los Alamitos and Redondo Union, on Saturday to win the 16-team Ann Kang Invitational Girls Volleyball Tournament at 'Iolani.
The Buffanblu swept Los Alamitos, 25-18, 25-18, in the Gold Bracket semifinals and then held off perennial power Redondo Union, 25-21, 23-25, 15-10, to win the title. Setter Tayler Higgins was named Most Valuable Player as Punahou finished the three-day tournament at a perfect 8-0.
Redondo Union had advanced to the final only after a tough 25-19, 24-26, 15-10 semifinal victory over 'Iolani. Los Alamitos swept the Raiders, 25-22, 25-19, for third place.
Mid-Pacific won the Silver Bracket title with a 25-23, 25-15 win over Kahuku. The Owls had advanced by defeating Santa Monica (Calif.), 25-17, 25-15, while the Red Raiders topped Moanalua, 25-12, 25-23, in the other semifinal.
Santa Monica took third place by outlasting Moanalua, 14-25, 25-23, 18-16.
Branson (Calif.) won the Bronze bracket, which included all California teams.
Castle won the Copper Bracket, rallying past Hawai'i Baptist, 22-25, 25-17, 15-10. The Knights had advanced to the final by sweeping Pomona Catholic, 25-9, 25-20, while HBA advanced by sweeping Kaiser, 25-16, 25-19.
Kaiser took third place by sweeping Pomona Catholic, 25-16, 25-14.
Here is the All-Tournament Team:
Tayler Higgins, Punahou -- MVP
Claire Feeley, Punahou
Loxley Keala, 'Iolani
Michelle Robinson, Mid-Pacific
Katie Rotondo, Redondo Union
Breanna Lanktree, Redondo Union
Cristina Maietta, Los Alamitos
Gabby Steiner, Branson