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Luna spikers look to earn trip to state tournament

By Staff | Apr 28, 2016

The Lahainaluna High School boys volleyball team played Lanai on March 25. PHOTO BY GLEN PASCUAL.

LAHAINA – The Lahainaluna High School boys volleyball team continues on the sky-high flight that began three years ago as head coach Dan Schultz took the reins of the program. Coming off of a Maui Interscholastic League regular season championship and a trip to the state tournament last year, the Luna spikers are poised for another glory ride as the current season heads into the homestretch.

Lahainaluna is in second place heading into the MIL tournament this week that will determine the overall champion and the league’s two tickets to the state playoffs that will take place the following week.

“I think we are ready for the upcoming schedule. It’s time for the team to step up and determine their fate, and I think we’re ready to do it. We have the passion and mentality to do it,” said Coach Dan, who is assisted by Marc Watasaki and Ikaika Vasquez. “They are ready to take ownership of the team and what takes place.”

Schultz went on to note that several of the student athletes on the roster are into their third year under the guidance of the former Loyola of Chicago collegiate player.

“They are learning the game and have an understanding of it. They adjust well to rotations and match-ups and are building a championship mentality,” he said.

Leading the way for the Lunas are senior team captain Kia Kenolio and classmates Justin Quitoriano, Fritz Ruiz, Marion Sidon and Justin Valdez; juniors Jesselee Eugene, Pono Murray and Una Pahulu; sophomores Nick Gayagoy and Carter Stockham; and freshman Lee Yomes. The team managers are Keolani Hill and Christian Mae Yagyagan.

“Our three-year plan is coming to fruition, and the play of the team represents that,” added Coach Dan from his painting and drawing classroom on campus.

“The team is building a winning mentality as they figured out how to break bad habits and gain confidence. Our thanks goes out to the Murray family, the managers and the assistant coaches for helping us build that winning mentality.”