Leinani Keanini's leadership has helped 'Iolani all season, and her role was all the more important in a victory over then-No. 1 Kamehameha.

Keanini had 11 kills to help the Raiders defeat the two-time defending state champions, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, in an Interscholastic League of Honolulu girls volleyball match Tuesday. 'Iolani (10-0), ranked second in the state at the time, has replaced Kamehameha at the top spot.

"I think she was very consistent with her passing and hitting," 'Iolani coach Jenic Tumaneng said. "Overall, her leadership on the floor, as the first game went on, she stayed with her poise and kept the team focused on our objectives. She played big."

Keanini, a 5-foot-7 senior outside hitter, said her team knew they had to come strong against a talented team like Kamehameha.

"We were focused on our play, making sure we executed and making sure we got that first pass to our setter so she could run our offense," Keanini said.

Already embodying leadership qualities last year as a junior, Tumaneng said Keanini has "stepped up to the plate" to assume that role this season.

"We're trying to work on her with staying focused and using her energy," Tumaneng said. "At first, she thought she needed to get girls pumped up. But we told her with your energy, you can get them pumped with the way (you) play."

Keanini said she tries to lead by example with co-captain Lauren Minkel.

"Me and my other senior captain (Minkel), being captains, you have to set that example, focus on your job and have the team feed off your energy," Keanini said.

The emotions from the win — Keanini said the team is still excited — almost got in the way during Thursday's and Saturday's matches against Maryknoll and Mid-Pacific. Though the Raiders swept both opponents, the matches were close and the level of play was not what it was against Kamehameha.

"The next day at practice (after the Kamehameha win), I told them to pinch each other to get back to earth," Tumaneng said. "Most occasions when there's a big win, there's a lot of emotions that go into it and you play flat the next match."

Now it's time to move on. 'Iolani plays at No. 3 Punahou on Oct. 6.

"We want to control our destiny," Tumaneng said. "I think right now, we have to refocus our goals. That was a big match and a big game. We're telling them it was one game and we're not done yet."

Reach Stanley Lee at sktlee@honoluluadvertiser.com.