Punahou received a well-rounded effort from a trio of seniors as the top-ranked Buffanblu swept No. 2 Kamehameha, 25-18, 25-20, 25-21, in a meeting between the Interscholastic League of Honolulu’s two top squads Saturday afternoon before a lively “Senior Night” crowd at Hemmeter Field House.

In overcoming what Punahou coach Peter Balding called the “pleasant distractions” created by “Senior Night,” seniors Carly Kan, Claire Feely and Brittney Markwith led the balanced Buffanblu attack with eight, seven and six kills, respectively, while fellow senior starter Tayler Higgins added two kills and a service ace.

Warriors senior Pikake Laumauna collected a match-high 10 kills in defeat, while teammates Pomai Recca and Alohi Robins-Hardy posted seven and six kills, respectively.

“We’re trying to be balanced, and (Kamehameha) did some things that forced us to be a little more versatile,” Balding said. “They played really good defense, and I think we snuck one by them. You always wonder as a coach if they’re going to be able and take care of business (amidst the hype of the match), and I think we did. But, we still have some things to work on.”

Punahou (14-1) took the opening set after putting together a 9-3 run that included two kills from Markwith and a Kelly Matthews service ace that put the Buffanblu ahead by a 20-13 margin. Kamehameha (12-3) could not overcome its erratic hitting, and four consecutive service errors allowed Punahou to pull away.

The Warriors built a 3-2 lead to start the second set, but their hitting woes continued as the visitors mishandled three serves and erred on four more hits as Punahou went on a 7-0 run. The Buffanblu received three kills apiece from Markwith and Kan as Punahou kept Kamehameha from getting within four points of the lead through the remainder of the set.