Before a spirited "Spike Nite" crowd of about 700 packed into muggy HBA gymnasium, Punahou rode a steady wave of efficiency to defeat HBA, 25-17, 25-18, to remain undefeated in ILH play.

The Buffanblu (11-0), ranked No. 5 in the nation by ESPN Rise, are in position to claim the Division I first round title and an accompanying state berth.

Despite the loss, the Eagles (8-3) have the inside track to the Division II first round title and a state berth of their own.  HBA is ranked No. 28 nationally.

Punahou jumped out to leads of 7-3 and 14-6 on their way to a workmanlike victory in the first set.

The second set began much the same way with the much taller Buffanblu controlling play at the net.

But with his team trailing 14-8, sophomore outside hitter Michael Fisher hammered a kill off an overpass that seemed to get the Eagles - and their crowd - going.

Fisher served the next three points to cut the deficit to 14-12, and as HBA closed to 16-14, Punahou coach Rick Tune - sensing a swing in momentum - called timeout.

The two teams then dug in and proceeded to exchange rally points until the score was 19-17.

After another sideout, Buffanblu senior setter Tyler Kubota reeled off four straight service points to quickly give Punahou match point.

Staving off one point, the Eagles misplayed a ball at the net that Punahou freshman outside hitter Larry Tuileta tapped down to end the set 25-18 and give the Buffanblu the victory.

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