The defending Division I state champions opened their title defense in dominant fashion.

Mililani powered past Lahainaluna 13-2 in five innings Tuesday morning at the HHSAA Division I Softball State Championships at McKinley High School.

Moanalua rolled past Punahou 12-1 in the opening round of the HHSAA Division I Softball State Championships on Tuesday at McKinley High School.

An expansion of the tournament field from nine teams to 12, it also meant a new bracket format. Out with the quarterfinal/semifinal/final setting and in with four regionals of three teams each. Heading into Selection Sunday, Hawai`i knew they were into the field of 12 for the 2026 National Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Championship.

This time around, Maryknoll wanted no part of another Punahou upset. The Spartans took care of business early on Wednesday afternoon, scoring three runs in the first inning, two more in the second and then slamming the door shut with 10 runs in the fourth en route to a resounding 15-0 victory for its second straight overall ILH championship.

Robyn Ah Mow is stepping down as head coach of the University of Hawai‘i women’s volleyball program, bringing an end to a nine-year chapter that kept the Rainbow Wahine among the Big West’s elite and a consistent presence on the national stage.