Punahou L/DS Race Agcaolili celebrates after a point in the first set against Kamehameha Thursday night. Michael Lasquero | SL

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KAPALAMA HEIGHTS — Punahou made quick work of host Kamehameha in straight sets, 25-16, 25-12, in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I opener for both teams at Kekuhaupio Gymnasium on Thursday.

"First match you have more nerves than normal because you want to see it all work. We've been practicing for weeks now and we want to see how it translates when the lights are on," said Punahou coach Rick Tune, as the Buffanblu start their title defense.

Ryan Wilcox, reigning All-Hawaii Player of the Year, led the way with five kills and four aces, Jameson McKibbin, another All-Hawaii First Team selection, added 11 assists for the defending ILH and state champions, who improve to 1-0 in league play.

"We need to work on everything, to be honest. Our offense and defense was pretty good tonight and we missed some opportunities. We have to clean some things up and you want to keep getting better and tightening the screws," said Tune.

"I wasn't concerned about the score, I wanted to see us play well," said Kamehameha coach Randy Nako.

The Warriors (0-1 ILH) were in the set early on and traded points with the Buffanblu before the visitors started pulling away. Wilcox landed three consecutive service aces to give Punahou a 16-8 lead. Punahou as a team had six aces for the match. Kamehameha got the set within six, 21-15, but the Buffanblu scored four-straight points to take the first set.

"The first set, I thought we did well," said Nako. "We were trading points until Ryan (Wilcox) went back there and got on a run. If we take those points out, then I'm happy how we performed."

"I thought we had normal first game mistakes, trying to do too much. We told them, ‘Just keep playing, keep communicating and we're going to be okay.' I think what you saw were guys settling down into their roles and scoring points," said Tune.

Punahou's Ryan Wilcox digs a ball in the second set against Kamehameha Thursday night. Michael Lasquero | SL   Purchase image

Punahou opened the set with a 9-2 lead. After building a substantial lead, coach Tune was able to substitute in reserves to finish up the match and was pleased with their efforts.

"I'm proud of our second team guys coming in. Sometimes there's a tendency to have execution and intensity drop off when it happens. This is a mature team from top to bottom and they know what they're roles are. I thought they did a great job," said Tune, on his veteran squad.

Matthew Saffery, who passed out eight assists for the Warriors, brought Kamehameha within a half-dozen on a service ace. However, the Buffanblu were able to extend the lead to 10 twice to complete the sweep.

"It went according to script and everyone was ready when their number was called," said Tune.

This match was the first real-game competition for the Warriors and Coach Nako liked the effort he saw in the first set, but didn't like his team's execution in the second set. Kamehameha committed five service errors for the match.

"The second set, we couldn't serve or receive well and it took us out of it. You have to win the serve and serve-receive game to have a chance. The score reflected that. The second set was disappointing and the guys know and we have to get back to the gym and work on it," said Nako.

Christmas Togiai led Kamehameha with four kills and Lanakila Sturm added three.

The Warriors host Maryknoll on Tuesday, Feb. 27 while the Buffanblu go to Mid-Pacific on the same night.

"We have to improve game-by-game. We have to work at it and they work hard in practice," said Nako.

Both teams will face each other again on Mar. 14 at Punahou.