Kamehameha celebrated its five-set girls volleyball victory over Punahou with cheers, hugs and tears.

The No. 1-ranked Warriors defeated host Punahou 25-22, 21-25, 27-25, 18-25, 15-12 in win the ILH Division I title on Thursday, but lost starting setter and leader Kamalani Akeo possibly for the season with a knee injury.

After the match between the state’s top two teams, players took turns hugging Akeo, who left the match late in Set 4.

"It was hard on us because we just lost our key player," said Kamehameha senior defensive specialist Reyn Akiu. "For the rest of the game, it was for her. No matter what happens, everything would be done for her."

The Warriors finished the regular season 15-0. The second-ranked Buffanblu finished 12-3. Both teams will play in the state tournament that starts next Friday. Kamehameha is the defending state champion.

"It was a great team win for us across the board," said Kamehameha coach Chris Blake. "We didn’t necessarily perform our best but it was because of what Punahou did. They gave us a great match."

The Warriors rallied around Akeo in the final set. Kamehameha trailed 10-7, tied it at 10-10 and 11-11 on Kayla Afoa’s kill. Akiu then served her team to a 14-11 lead.

Akiu’s serve on match point landed out, according to the head referee, though the line judge signaled the ball landed in, creating celebration and confusion. Brooke Kaawa and Leila Holt, brought in to set for Akeo, stuffed Punahou’s final attempt to end the match.

"She is a big asset for our team," Akiu said of Akeo. "This game really showed how much depth we have."