Facing one of its biggest challenges of the season, Hawaii Baptist figured out how to battle back.

Fourth-ranked Hawaii Baptist dug itself out of a five-point deficit in Set 2 and rallied behind Nicolas Caballes in a 25-13, 25-23 win over host St. Francis in an ILH Division II volleyball match on Thursday.

“We did a good job battling back,” said HBA setter Micah Mitchell, who finished with 19 assists. “We just had a tough time siding out the ball. But down the stretch we were able to execute it.”

The Eagles (7-0), who have won the last five Division II state titles, usually power their way through league play with athletic and experienced players. The Eagles, who haven’t dropped a set all season, played most of their reserves in Set 2. As both teams traded late leads, there was never an inkling to have HBA’s starting six return to the floor.

“They all need to play,” said HBA coach Teoni Obrey. “We have a young group and they need to get quality time and be pushed through adversity. That’s kind of what our program is about, how to deal with adversity. We weren’t going to bail them out.”

HBA slowly chipped away at a five-point deficit in Set 2. Caballes had three consecutive kills to give HBA a 21-19 lead. St. Francis rallied to tie the match at 22 and 23, but a service error put HBA at match point and Michael Johnson’s kill ended it. Three of HBA’s final four points came from St. Francis service errors. Caballes, who played both sets, finished with nine kills. Caleb Fisher had all seven of his kills in the first set before sitting out the second.

“It’s priceless. It’s definitely a great opportunity, especially for guys playing in new roles,” said Obrey. “Nic, last year, didn’t have to swing much and score points for us. This year he has to be one of our point scorers.”

Wembely Mailei’s kill started an 8-1 run that gave the Saints a 13-8 lead in Set 2. The Saints dug balls during the run and Mailei and Brandon Enos teamed up for consecutive blocks. Mailei and Jesus Garcia finished with four kills each and Enos had 11 assists for the Saints (2-2).

“They got hyped up,” said St. Francis coach Dustin Ahuna-Haliniak. “We had a good roll going. In the end, our errors killed us, but you got to eat it up, and in practice tomorrow, we will focus on that.”

The Eagles played on five consecutive days last week — the opening week of league play. After Thursday’s win, HBA won’t play another league match until March 28. In the meantime, the Eagles will face tougher Division I competition, starting with tonight’s Spike Night match against Kamehameha. Hawaii Baptist also will play in tournaments hosted by Kamehameha and ‘Iolani.

“We have a few tournaments that we’re playing in, so it forced our scheduling for our league games to be in a row,” Obrey explained.

Mitchell said his team wants to put on a good performance for Spike Night, which is similar to a homecoming game.

“Just bringing the crowd a good game, make it exciting, playing in front of our friends, family, coaches and staff,” Mitchell said. “It’s like our homecoming. Kamehameha is a good team, good hitters, good setters, good everything. We just have to play our best.”

OIA DIVISION I SOFTBALL

Kaiser 7, Castle 6

Seli Aholelei picked up the victory and drove in two runs as the Cougars held off the Knights.

Rayla Keanu batted 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs for Castle, which scored three times in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Seli Aholelei and Tiana Ching-Lake. Mele Turner and Moana Hillen. W–Aholelei. L–Turner.

Leading hitters–Kaiser: Chelsea Soong 2-3, 2b; Aholelei 2b, 2 RBIs; Marissa Oda 3b. Castle: Kaylee Ishii 2-3; Rayla Keanu 2-4, 2b, 2 RBIs; Cybelle Murakami 3b; Brea Keaunui 2-3.

OIA DIVISION II SOFTBALL

Farrington 10, Waialua 4

Kaipo Castillo recorded the victory and batted 3-for-4 with a triple and four RBIs in the Governors’ victory over the Bulldogs.

Kylie Carganilla went 3-for-4 with a triple and three runs for the Governors.

Waialua’s Andrea Dicion batted 4-for-4.

Kaipo Castillo and Kaycie Okada. Kaedy Hatchett and Lea’a Puleiala. W–Hatchett. L–Castillo.

Leading hitters–Farrington: Castillo 3-4, 3b, 2 runs, 4 RBIs; Kylie Carganilla 3-4, 3b, 3 runs, 2 RBIs; Brittaney Savusa 3-4. Waialua: Andrea Dicion 4-4.

ILH JUNIOR VARSITY SOFTBALL

St. Francis 10, ‘Iolani 1

MIL BASEBALL

Maui High 15, Lahainalua 5, 5 inn.

Baldwin 4, King Kekaulike 0