Lady Lunas join the battle against cancer

The volleyball squad includes (from left): front — Kamalani Kanekoa, Brittnay Treu, Lyla Marie Talaroc Kaniho, Sachiko Soares, Malia Bartolome, Makana Hussey and Kaliko Pasco Dusenberry; back row — Trixie Ganer, Jessica Wallace, Duena Kahala Kalilikane, Makena Stockham, Tricia Kama, Kulia Murray, Leilani Miranda, Lagia Galoia and coach Hano Ganer. Photo by Walter Chihara.
LAHAINA — It will be a special evening at the Jimmie H. Greig Gymnasium on the Lahainaluna High School campus this Saturday night, when the Lady Lunas take the court for their volleyball match versus the Maui High Sabers.
For the second year in the effort, the game will be dedicated to the battle against cancer as the Lady Luna team joins hands with the community in Breast Cancer Awareness Night.
“We’re having the players and their families bring in the names of cancer survivors and deceased to raise awareness about the disease,” explained Lahainaluna coach Trixie Ganer from the court before practice last week.
“We want to recognize all the people who have been affected by cancer — not only breast cancer, but all forms of the disease. All proceeds will go to cancer research.”
Lady Luna head coach Hano Ganer, now into his 11th year at the helm of the program, is assisted by daughters Trixie Ganer and Davilynn Ganer, Monique “Lady Mo” Blando, Diana Tevaga, Sherlyn Yadao and Alika Pali.
They have guided the team to a 3-5 record entering the home stretch of the Maui Interscholastic League regular season in preparation for the post-season tournament and a bid to the state playoffs in October.
The Lahainaluna effort for 2010 is being led by junior returnees Kulia Murray, Leilani Miranda, Sachiko Soares, Tricia Kama, Makena Stockham and Brittany Treu; senior Makana Hussey; junior newcomers Lagia Galoia, Kamalani Kanekoa and Lyla Marie Talaroc Kaniho; sophomore Malia Bartolome; and freshmen Kaliko Pacheco Dusenberry and Duena Kahala Kalilikane.
“The girls are improving over the season, especially in their communication and with their defense,” explained Coach Trixie.
“They get down at times, but lately have shown an improvement in bouncing back. The important thing is that they have had high energy in getting better with each practice, each game. They are definitely talented, skilled athletes playing in our basic offenses.”
With a big smile, Ganer added, “These girls really keep us on our toes — there is never a dull moment with this group. We thank them for their effort, and we thank the families and the community for their support. This year, the support has been much more for the girls, and they need that. And thanks also to my mom, Charmaine (Ganer), for all she does for the team.”
Tip off for the “Breast Cancer Awareness Night” junior varsity contest is 5 p.m., and the varsity game begins at 6:30 p.m. Be there to support the Lady Lunas and the fight against cancer!