The Iolani girls volleyball team is returning to the Division I state tournament after taking a two-year hiatus, finishing the Interscholastic League of Honolulu first round undefeated.

Iolani defeated Punahou, 25-16, 17-25, 25-20, in an ILH match last night at Punahou.

"We wanted it bad," said sophomore outside hitter Leinani Keanini, who led the Raiders with 11 kills, including seven in the final game.

Iolani improved to 15-0, and Punahou dropped to 13-2. The ILH receives two berths into the state tournament. The second berth will be decided after the second round.

The Raiders jumped out to a 6-1 lead in Game 1 after scoring six straight, with five Punahou errors. Iolani never relinquishing its lead, which was extended to 20-9 at one point.

Punahou then scored three straight points — the most it would string together in the first game — including two on blocks by Shawna-Lei Kuehu and Liz Ka'aihue, and Kuehu and Kaui Robello, to make it 20-12. Iolani regrouped and went on to close out the game, on a kill by Keanini.

Punahou returned the favor in Game 2, opening with a 6-1 run, with four Iolani errors.

"It happens a lot. We're up ahead, and we break down in certain areas," Keanini said.

Iolani coach Luis Ramirez said the Raiders "lost focus, the team is still too young. We're improving though."

Punahou led 12-5, but after five straight Punahou errors, Iolani came within 12-10.

Punahou outside hitter Larissa Nordyke had two service aces in a five-point run to make it 20-13. Iolani responded with three straight, but Punahou went on a 5-1 run, including a kill by Kuehu to win the game.

The teams started Game 3 close and were tied at 13 before Iolani made its move. The Red Raiders went on a 10-2 run, with three kills by Keanini, for a 23-15 lead.

"That was good redemption (for Keanini)," Ramirez said. "She didn't have a good game against Kamehameha (Monday). She did what she had to do to succeed."

Keanini also had the team's 24th point, and Chelsea Ching put down an overpass to win the match.

Lauren Minkel had eight kills for Iolani, and Megan Burton six. Punahou's Ka'aihue had 11.

ILH BOYS

Punahou def. Iolani, 25-17, 25-17: The Punahou (13-0) boys remained undefeated in the ILH and handed Iolani (11-2) its second loss.

Punahou opened Game 1 with a 6-1 lead before Iolani tied it at 7. Punahou went on another 6-1 run, sparked by a block by Keali'i Frank and Riley McKibbin, and a solo block by Spencer McLachlin, to make it 17-12.

"We served them pretty well, and they didn't pass as well as they normally do," Punahou coach Peter Balding said. "It took a little out of their offense and it gave us an opportunity to block some balls."

Iolani scored three of the next four points, to close to 18-15, but Punahou went on a 7-2 run, including a back-row attack for its 25th point.

The Buffanblu recorded five service aces.

"When our serving is as good as it was today, it makes it hard to set (Iolani's) Kawika (Shoji)," McLachlin said. "That was an important key for us. He's like Michael Jordan, it's almost a guaranteed kill."

Game 2 remained close until Punahou's block re-emerged, with a block by Frank and McLachlin, and another by Frank and McKibbin, to give the Buffanblu a 14-10 lead. It opened to a 21-15 lead on a kill by McLachlin, and fittingly, the game ended on a block by Frank and McLachlin.

"They were very aggressive, it definitely took us out of our game," Iolani coach Mike Among said. "I told the boys I was outcoached tonight; I take full responsibility."

Punahou had six blocks, and Frank was in on five of them. He also had a team-high six kills, along with McLachlin. Matthew Brown added five.

Iolani's Barry Kang had seven kills, and Brian Mitsunaga five.

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com.