Oh what a weekend it was for Our Mana Wahine Koa team as they came into this tournament with a chip on there shoulder. after coming home from the 51st Annual AAU National's with a 10-2 record and finishing the tournament 13th of 115 teams in the 18's Classic Division. This team was not done. They knew that they could of done better, so they came home and literally left it all on the court as for some the 2024 Volleyball Festival would be there last time playing volleyball as 7 of the 12 players have graduated and moving on to the next level. whether to play volleyball at the next level with a athletic scholarship or going to the next level academically. Mana Wahine Koa came in swinging and finished swinging. Finishing off Day 1 and Day 2 3-0 with a overall record of 6-0 going into Day 3. The team was excited for Day 3 because they got to sport there new jersey scheme for next season. Breaking out the new jerseys while in Orlando for the AAU Nationals. the team were forced to change right before there 4th game of the third day of competition, which brought some of there momentum down going into that game, which resulted in there only second lost of the tournament. But chancing the new jerseys on Day 3 of The Festival was a gutsy move, but it worked as the team faced off against a much tougher pool . coming into the tournament seeded number 12 out of 109 teams the pool they faced on the third day consisted of the #1, #14 and the #23 ranked teams in the tournament. With its only lost set vs the #14 team Burlington the team was ready to take on the former #1 team and they did it in style beating the former #1 team of the tournament in just 2 sets for a score of 25-15 and 25-23. By finishing off day 3 with a record of 3-0 and a overall record or 9-0 Mana Wahine Koa was able to seal the #1 ranked spot and was rewarded a 1st game bye and a automatic spot in the semi finals. But it was not over, as the team would face the winners of our new family that we met and befriended last season "Tausala Gold" and ECVBA. While having to ref the quarter final game, the team was locked in and ready to face whom ever came out victorious. Next they knew it was going to be Tausala. A little nervous as emotions and friendships could be a factor for this game, Mana Wahine Koa stayed locked in and played a well disciplined game which by doing so got them the victory and a chance at the gold. Mana Wahine Koa a very excited team went into the championship game pedal to the medal. When we say pedal to the medal we mean it, they did not slow down. Making the game look so easy with many fans asking if it was really the championship game. the team was focused with one thing on there mind "FINISH" and that they did. With a first set score of 25-12. At the end of the second set Mana Wahine Koa finished the game, the tournament, and the season with huge blocks from players Aolani Motu, Teaghan Walker, Abigale Namanee, Mary Needham, Isa Folau and Reagan Blair. But it wasn't just the blocks but the digs and passes from Sophomore Kai Perkins and Junior Taylor McClung to our setters Hailey Wagner and Missy Vito so that they could set our hitters fast enough to tire out our opponent it was the final point kill of the 2nd set that finalized Mana Wahine Koa as the champions, that hit came from opposite Abigale Namanee with a 12ft line hit. This team was always amazing to watch on and off the court. Congratulation's Mana Wahine Koa!!!!