Filling the giant shoes of departing Oahu Interscholastic Association girls volleyball player of the year Amanda Tonga can be quite a feat for the typical athlete.  But Kahuku sophomore middle blocker Pati Anae has demonstrated in early games this season that she is up to the challenge.
 
In the Iolani Ann Kang Invitational, Anae opened the season by leading the team with seven kills in an opening round victory over Maryknoll. Throughout the rest of the tourney she played quality volleyball, according to new Kakuhu head coach Kaniela Kalama.
 
“I look forward to working with my team and getting better as we go along this season,” Anae said.
 
“I wasn’t on the varsity team last season. But I played with Amanda in club games the last two years. Just watching her in practice sessions and in games I learned a lot. She has helped me become a better player today.”
 
Anae says she hopes to continue improving upon her skills. “I plan to work hard in practice every day and try my best to maintain my level of confidences,” Anae said.
 
I’m looking forward to every single game,” Anae added. “Just looking at how well we played in the Iolani tournament I think we can go far this season. Our team still has quite a number of things to work on. But we will improve as the season progresses and get better.”
 
Helping Anae on the Kahuku front line are senior Lizzy Blake, senior Ho’onani Apo and junior Tyra Williams. Playing in the setter position is senior Teuila Nautu.
 
Last season Kahuku reached the semifinal round of the state tournament and won the OIA tourney behind the dominant play of Amanda Tonga and her cousin Malia Tonga.
 
Amanda Tonga is currently playing volleyball for New Mexico State on a full scholarship. Malia Tonga is enrolled at Barton College in Kansas. Joining Amanda at New Mexico State is former Kahuku tight end Jackson Kala, who received a football scholarship.
 
“She’s very excited about playing,” said Afi Tonga, mother of Amanda. “This is a great opportunity for her to attend college. I know that she misses Hawaii a lot, but she knows this is something that she has to do.”
 
Amanda will return back to Hawaii on October 31 to play in the Stan Sheriff Center against the University of Hawaii team.
 
“I tell her to fly, spread your wings and do what you got to do to survive,” Afi Tonga said.