Honolulu, HI — August 2025
Cardinal Newman's girls volleyball squad showcased poise, grit, and flashes of brilliance at the prestigious Ann Kang Invitational in Honolulu, competing in a rugged early-season field that included some of the nation's elite high school teams.
Tournament Setting:
The Ann Kang Invitational, hosted by 'Iolani School, is one of the premier preseason tournaments in the country, drawing 16 varsity squads from across the U.S., including powerhouse programs from California, Texas, and Hawaii.
Match 1: Cardinal Newman vs. Sierra Canyon (National No. 11)
Cardinal Newman began the tournament with a spirited showing against nationally-ranked Sierra Canyon. Though the result was a straight-sets loss—25–14, 25–18—the Cardinals "held their own," according to head coach Daryl Kapis. The team faced a squad that looked nothing like them, yet stayed competitive and respected—as good as any "Smaller school" could perform.
Match 2: Cardinal Newman vs. Cornerstone Christian
Next came a clash with formidable Cornerstone Christian, where the Cardinals experimented by giving different players opportunities. The experiment didn't yield a victory—25–12, 25–15—but the young players gained invaluable experience and confidence from playing at such a high level.
Match 3: Cardinal Newman vs. Iolani (Tournament Host)
The final pool match pitted Cardinal Newman against the host school, Iolani. The Raiders dominated, defeating the Cardinals 25–16, 25–11. Despite the loss, Newman's players gained perspective on the caliber of competition and the standards of a well-oiled, top-tier Hawaii program.
Summary & Reflections
Coach Daryl Kapis didn't sugarcoat the results, but he celebrated the positives. Facing a national powerhouse like Sierra Canyon, Newman "did not embarrass ourselves"—they showed resilience and execution. The second match was about learning, while the third gave a snapshot of where the program stands against a polished local leader. Overall, the team's effort aligns with Kapis's focus on developing depth and cultivating experience early in the season.
Tournament Context & Stakes
Since its inception in 1989, the Ann Kang Invitational has become a marquee event that sets the tone for the girls high school volleyball season. 'Iolani, historically the host, only broke through to win the tournament in recent years, signaling rising competition in the field.
Programs like Mira Costa and Byron Nelson have captured Ann Kang titles, turning heads nationally. In 2023, Mira Costa overcame Cornerstone Christian in the final to claim the crown. In 2024, Byron Nelson became the first Texas school to win the tournament, defeating Iolani and others along the way.
Looking Ahead
Despite the 0-3 record, Cardinal Newman will leave Hawaii with invaluable takeaways:
- Confidence from competing with top national programs
- Experience for younger players under tournament pressure
- Clear areas for refinement—passing consistency, court IQ, and composure at critical moments
Cardinal Newman now sets its sights on round two: a matchup with the tournament host, 'Iolani, perhaps in crossover or placement play. Coach Kapis will lean on the lessons learned to elevate the program as the season unfolds.
Final Thought: The scorelines may not reflect the story, but Cardinal Newman demonstrated heart, maturity, and promise—exactly the kind of foundation great seasons are built upon
