Raiders Score Huge Win Over Warriors
by Al Linsky
No chance!
Not against the number three ranked (in the nation) Warriors.
Everyone I talked to said 'Iolani had no chance to win this match
The Warriors had all-everything Kanani Herring, plus top players Jordan Meredith, Bekah Torres and Alex Akana.
I agreed. This Warrior team is loaded.
But that's why they play the games. Things happen.
When you have a team that won't back down from anyone, believes in itself, and is willing to lay it out on the line like the Raiders did on Tuesday night at Iolani, wonderful things can happen.
The first game was a bit shaky as the Raiders made a few uncharacteristic errors. It was 11-15, 18-21, 19-21, and 20-21 before the Warriors called a timeout. Coach Chris Blake must have given some good advice as the Warriors ran out the game, 25-21.
But, the Raiders learned something in this first game. They CAN play with this team.
In the first game, the Warriors were that little bit better as they mostly had about a three point lead that the Raiders could only close once. In the second and third games, this trend would reverse, as 'Iolani took control and would keep a lead, most of the time.
In game two, though, it was very close until point 14 when the Raiders tied it and pushed ahead for good.
It went to 16-14, 20-16, 23-18 and finished at 25-21.
All tied up at one game apiece.
This was a huge accomplishment to push the match to three games. But, the Raiders weren't done. They were looking to win.
After holding a small Raider lead, the Warriors came back to tie it at 13, 16 and 17. It was the Raiders who took control at this point to make it 20-17, then 23-19, then game.
This was one of those matches that will be remembered for a long time to come. The gym was rocking and standing room only led by a superlative performance by the Iolani band, so there will be lots of good memories among the Raider fans.
To see more photos, please visit www.iolani-events.org.
