After sitting out three matches during the regular season, Moanalua senior Kaleinani Kabalis returned with a bang and led Na Menehune on a torrid run that ended with their first O'ahu Interscholastic Association championship since 2000.

For her spectacular all-around play and undisputed leadership, Kabalis was named OIA Red Conference Eastern Division Player of the Year after a recent vote of division coaches.

Kabalis, a 5-foot-7 senior outside hitter, sat out three matches early in the season to concentrate on schoolwork.

Shortly after her return, Moanalua was 4-4. But led by Kabalis, Na Menehune came together and finished with four straight regular-season victories, then won four more matches in the playoffs to capture the league title.

Kabalis electrified fans with her explosive spikes, gravity-defying blocks, acrobatic digs and laser jump serves.

But according to Moanalua coach Tommy Lake, her most valuable quality was leadership.

"(Kabalis) really pulled this team together emotionally," Lake said after a victory over East co-champion Kahuku to end the regular season. "It's a team effort ... and as much as you try to coach that, it's never as effective as when you have a team leader on the floor getting everybody to buy into it."

Kabalis, a three-time selection, was the only Moanalua player chosen to the East's all-star first team.

Roosevelt and Kalani led the way with three selections each. Roosevelt placed seniors Emily Maeda (5-6), Jacey Tagavilla (5-11) and Meleana Yamashiro (5-7). Kalani was represented by seniors Rhianna Farm (6-1) and Lichelle Nishiyama (5-3) and junior Tina Pulu (5-7).

Kahuku setter Shanlei Kaulula'au (5-8) rounds out the first team.

Kailua's Melanie Yamaguchi-Taufa'asau was named Coach of the Year.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.