Moanalua survived Kahuku's best effort of the season last night and then finished off the Red Raiders, 25-27, 25-20, 25-14, in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association girls volleyball semifinals.

Na Menehune (13-1) will face OIA Eastern Division rival Roosevelt (11-3) for the championship at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at McKinley's Student Council Gym.

The Rough Riders swept Kalani, 25-19, 25-22, in the opener of last night's semifinal doubleheader at McKinley.

Roosevelt has not won an OIA title since 1979; Moanalua is seeking its first championship since 2000.

Kahuku, which had won the past two league crowns, threatened to make a return trip to the title match with an impressive first-game victory last night.

Sophomore outside hitter Nile Te'o had six kills and an ace and junior outside hitter Leilani Tafuna added five kills in that game to lead the Red Raiders, who were further spurred on by a spirited cheering section that included about 60 Kahuku football players.

"I was kinda scared," Moanalua outside hitter Kaleinani Kabalis said of the first game defeat, only the third time this season Na Menehune dropped the opener in league play. "I guess we were nervous, or something. We just had to mentally slow down and play at our level, play our game instead of playing their game. We just had to relax and take a deep breath."

Moanalua started better in the second game, taking a 12-9 lead, but the Red Raiders rallied to tie it at 13-13. Na Menehune then pushed the lead to 20-15, and after Kahuku closed it to 20-18, outside hitter Bri Amian had a block and a kill to help Moanalua pull away and even the match.

"I think the turning point actually was at the end of the first game," Na Menehune coach Tommy Lake said. "It was a knock-down, drag-out game and Kahuku was really taking it to us, but we hung in there and then we came back (to tie it at 25-25). I think that was the best thing for us, because it gave the girls confidence that we could win the second game."

The third game was even at 6-6, then Deanna Maio served nine straight points to give Moanalua a commanding 15-6 lead.

"Like we have all season, we were struggling with our passing and that took us out of our game," Red Raiders coach Mona Ah-Hoy said. "Moanalua just played a great game."

Kabalis led Na Menehune with 12 kills, three blocks and two aces. Melanie Manutai added eight kills, Sarah Robinson had seven kills and Amian contributed six kills.

"This is the best team effort we've had this season," Lake said. "Not everybody was on, but everybody at least contributed."

Tafuna finished with a match-high 15 kills and Te'o added 11 kills for Kahuku.

ROOSEVELT DEF. KALANI

Senior outside hitter Hoku Oleole had six kills to lead a balanced Rough Riders attack as Roosevelt held off another Kalani rally in a rematch of last year's thrilling semifinal.

"Today our kids came out with confidence — they knew what we wanted and they knew this match was just part of the steps we have to take to reach our goal," Rough Riders coach Bryan Camello said. "With them being here last year, I think that helped."

In both games last night, Roosevelt pulled away midway through to take command.

The Rough Riders were clinging to a 12-11 lead in the first game, then pushed it to 22-14 helped by two kills and an ace by Emily Maeda.

The second game was tied at 13-13, then Roosevelt got some breathing room at 18-14 after two kills and an ace by Oleole.

Mele Yamashiro's kill brought the Rough Riders to match point at 24-19, but the Falcons (9-6) fought off the end three times before finally succumbing.

Kalani had fought off 10 match points in last year's semifinal loss to Roosevelt before finally falling.

"It was like that again for a little bit," Camello said, "but I think our girls took something from that match last year and were able to take care of business."

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.