Le Jardin captures first state title as Bulldogs sweep Pearl City

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Despite rainy weather that changed the sports schedule, the Le Jardin Academy Bulldogs took home their first state title Friday against Pearl City High School Chargers.

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The Division II State Championship game was delayed by about an hour. The Bulldogs dealt with road closures in Windward Oahu, causing their bus ride to last three hours.

The team still refused to slow down, performing a three-set sweep over the Chargers.

The Bulldogs claimed the first set by scoring 25-18 before dominating the second set with a score of 25-9.

The Chargers applied some pressure on the third set, but the Bulldogs prevailed at 25-21.

The Bulldogs’ win ends a 16-1 season, the team’s first under Coach Makana Wade, son of UH Men’s volleyball head coach Charlie Wade.

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Laakea Kamahele, a Bulldog outside hitter, performed a match high of 20 kills.

“It just feels surreal that we’re even here right now,” said Kamahele. “All the work we’ve put in for the past few years, it’s amazing to see that we’ve gotten this far.”

Kamahele said the experience felt unreal because he felt surrounded by love from fans, friends, and family.

“It just feels amazing,” Kamahele said.

Jake Heidsieck, another outside hitter on the team, said Coach Wade helps the players stay in the moment where they can thrive and be disciplined throughout the season.

“It showed tonight where we totally dominated on the court, and all the hard work we’ve put in showed,” said Heidsieck.

The Division I title match between Punahou High School and Moanalua High School was moved to Saturday at 6 p.m. due to inclement weather. Pearl City High School is set to host the game.

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