Sacred Hearts senior Tate Lutu (left) had a game-high 16 kills to lead the Lancers to a victory. CJ Caraang | SL

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Sacred Hearts senior Tate Lutu (left) had a game-high 16 kills to lead the Lancers to a victory. CJ Caraang | SL

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In a battle of academies, it was Sacred Hearts with a strong showing in its first state tournament appearance in six years. The Lancers downed Hawaii Prep in straight sets, 25-14, 25-16, 25-19, Wednesday evening in the opening round of the New City Nissan/HHSAA Girls Volleyball Division II State Championship at the Saint Francis School gym.

The Lancers (10-6) were led by senior Tate Lutu's 16 kills and nine digs, as well as junior Ryanne Burnett's 14 kills and 16 digs. Makenzie Faamausili-Cacoulidis and Alissa Bautista split the assists, with 23 and 14 each, respectively. Senior Hiialo Apo also placed four service aces.

Ka Makani (9-6) was led by senior Madi Lee's 13 kills. Julia Perry added 14 digs, and Kiai Lindsey and Sammie Spooner posted six and nine assists, respectively.

Hawaii Prep will play 3:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon against Hana (11-4) out of the MIL in the consolation bracket at Saint Francis.

Sacred Hearts advances to take on defending state champion, top-seeded ILH champ Le Jardin (13-1). The two teams previously met twice this season with the Bulldogs winning in straight sets both times. The match is set for 7 p.m. also at Saint Francis.