Undefeated Hilo enters state volleyball tournament against team that eliminated them last year

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The high school boys volleyball state tournament continues Thursday.

This year, the top four teams all enter with undefeated records.

Hilo has the ideal resume: a perfect record of 14-0, newly crowned BIIF Champs, and extra motivation.

The Vikings are in the exact same spot they found themselves in last year, facing Kamehameha Schools Kapalama in the quarterfinals.

Except one year ago, they were swept while the Warriors went on to win it all.

“Boys volleyball is traditionally dominated by the Oahu teams, and we’re trying to crack into that,” said Vikings head coach Adam Tuifagu.

He makes a valid point. The last time a neighbor island school won the DI state title was in 1969.

Ironically enough, that team was Hilo.

Since then, it’s been long dominated by the powerhouse school of Punahou with 39 state titles.

“In the past, maybe league championship woulda been the goal. Okay we can go home happy, all pau, but for these guys having been there before, knowing that their goals are set higher is something that I’ve been fortunate enough to witness,” said Tuifagu.

Just by watching film, the Vikings don’t have the height that some of these other teams do. But what they lack in one department, they make up for it in another.

“You don’t have to be tall to be good or to demolish on the court,” said outside hitter Maluhia Tandal.

Tuifagu added, “We know height is a factor. That does impact the game, but it’s not a factor that we can control so we focus on the things that we can control.”

For a scrappy team like Hilo, the state tournament is more than just crowning a champion at the end of it.

It’s a way to get exposure for hidden gems like Tandal.

“I think he’s one of the best volleyball players we’ve ever had come out of this island,” said Tuifagu.

Tuifagu says Tandal is a player that has the skills, but just needs the opportunity to shine.

“We’re going to train for one year straight so we can at least get a scholarship for DIII or DII colleges out there,” said Tandal.

Tuifagu added, “Malu, he’s gonna take the year to train, but yeah, any school, I’m still trying to convince him, you know, give Charlie Wade a call or next time you see Charlie Wade have him call me.”

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