Redondo’s girls volleyball team capped off its summer and kicked off its 2012 season on a high note, placing second in the prestigious Ann Kang Invitational tournament hosted by Iolani School in Honolulu, HI.
Coach Tommy Chaffins’ Sea Hawks were led by All-Tournament selections Breanna Lanktree and Katie Rotondo.
Redondo swept through pool play Friday defeating Rim of the World 25-15, 25-20, Castle 25-12, 25-17 and Moanalua 25-22, 25-15.
Saturday’s action began with two more victories. Redondo beat Kahuku 25-17, 25-12 and Santa Monica 25-21, 25-15 before facing perennial power Punahou. The Buffanblu from Punahou handed Redondo its first loss of the tournament with a 25-21, 25-15 win.
Despite the loss, Redondo advanced to the Gold Bracket which included CIF Southern Section Division 1 rival Los Alamitos, Iolani and Punahou.
The Sea Hawks knocked off Iolani 25-19, 24-26, 15-10 setting up a rematch with Punahou which had defeated Los Alamitos 25-18, 25-18.
Punahou jumped off to a quick start, beating the Sea Hawks 25-21 in the first set. But Redondo rebounded with a 25-23 win. However, it was the only set Punahou would lose throughout the tournament as the Hawaiians took the final game 15-10 to secure the title.
The win marked Punahou’s second championship in the tournament which began in 1989. The Buffanblu won the title in 1996.
Los Alamitos swept Iolani 25-22, 25-19 in the third-place match.
Over the years, Bay League teams have enjoyed success at the Ann Kang Invitational, the last coming in 2009 when Redondo captured the championship.
Mira Costa holds the record for most tournament championship with five having won in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2008. The Mustangs did not make the trip to Hawaii this year.
