Boys Volleyball
Saint Louis, University Lab looking to claim first-ever state crown


Michael Lasquero | ScoringLive
May 13, 2023, 7:12am

 



ALIAMANU — History will be made this weekend.

Both Saint Louis and University Lab will be trying for its first-ever state title when they square off against each other in the New City Nissan Division II Boys Volleyball Championship Saturday night at BYU-Hawaii's George Q. Cannon Activities Center.

First serve is slated for 5 p.m.

The Crusaders (12-2) reached the final by virtue of a 25-13, 23-25, 25-19, 25-19 win over Aiea in the semifinals while the top-seeded Jr. Bows (11-0) swept Waimea 25-21, 25-20, 25-18 to make the championship match.

Saint Louis coach Keenan Paulos said he was proud of his team's resolve in 2023 after falling in the semifinals to eventual winner Pearl City last year.

"It's all about just being process-motivated over outcome-driven," he said. "Last year we won the ILH, we were the top seed in the tournament, but we got upset. Most of these guys were here last year and they just had the fire the whole time. They earned it. We take it one day at a time, one game at a time and we're just blessed to have this opportunity.

When asked what his team has to do to beat University Lab the third time they meet, Paulos had one key adjustment in mind.

"Hydrate and hydrate, it's hot," he laughed.

"We just have to stick to our guns. We just have to believe in what we're doing, try not to panic through the ups and downs. That's the game of volleyball, it's all about runs. It'll be two great ILH teams representing in the D2. We just have to what we have to do."

The Jr. Bows swept the Crusaders in the first regular season meeting and beat them in five sets nearly five weeks later to sweep the series in league play.

"They're a great team, Saint Louis is a great team," said University Lab coach Jonah Reyes, who noted a few players that caught his eye.

"They're well coached, they got some really awesome players. Wendell (Namohala) in the middle, he works hard. He brings it every play. Their setter (Rex Paguirigan), he's hustler.

"We got to do what we do everyday and that's come into the gym ready to play, ready to work hard, ready to get better."

Saint Louis OH TJ Setik puts down a kill over the Aiea block. Saint Louis OH TJ Setik puts down a kill over the Aiea block. Greg Yamamoto | SL

Koa Laboy (24) celebrates with Micah Nakasato (22) after recording a kill against Waimea. Koa Laboy (24) celebrates with Micah Nakasato (22) after recording a kill against Waimea. Greg Yamamoto | SL


Reach Michael Lasquero at [email protected].




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