Mililani's Chance Guillermo tries to hit over the Waipahu block in the Trojans' match against the Marauders last Thursday. CJ Caraang | SL

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Mililani's Chance Guillermo goes back for a serve attempt against Waipahu. CJ Caraang | SL

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Mililani senior setter Tory Kato puts up a set in an OIA West match against Waipahu. CJ Caraang | SL

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After three years of sacrifice, Mililani senior Chance Guillermo is finally getting his opportunity to play his natural position at outside hitter.

The 6-foot senior led the charge offensively in the fifth-ranked Trojans' 25-21, 24-26, 15-11 win over Waipahu last Thursday with 12 kills, nine digs an ace and a block assist.

Guillermo, the lone four-year varsity player on the team, looked the part as a go-to hitter — but it's a role that he hasn't played for the Mililani boys volleyball team until this season.

As a freshman, he was asked to be a middle blocker for a team that was loaded with weapons — including former University of Hawaii Rainbow Warrior Isaac Liva. The next year Guillermo transitioned to setter almost seamlessly and earned OIA West Player of the Year honors after helping the Trojans win the league crown, their first since 1994.

Due to injuries, Guillermo had a chance to be an attacker in a 6-2 offense last season, but it wasn't as big of an opportunity that he is getting this year.

The Mililani senior said it's a "blessing" to be back in his old position.

Mililani senior setter Tory Kato puts up a set in an OIA West match against Waipahu.

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_19032624__19032213_BVB_WAIP-MIL_CJCARAANG-0102.jpg - CJ Caraang | SL

“He’s stepped up immensely and is doing a good job, allowing Chance to hit,” Niino said of Kato.

After the match against the Marauders, Waipahu coach Julna Pasicaran was asked what gave Mililani the edge in its three-set win.

She had no hesitation crediting the skills of Guillermo.

“That Chance dude,” she said with a laugh. “Last year he killed us on his setting, this year he’s just playing defense and offense. He made a big difference.”

The Trojans (5-0) will look to continue their winning ways when they travel to Kapolei (4-1) Wednesday night.