Honolulu, HI (11/13/10) – At Saint Andrew's Priory, the HPU women's volleyball team toppled UH-Hilo in four games (25-27, 25-18, 25-22, 25-22). With the win, HPU closes the regular season at 18-6 overall and 12-4 in the PacWest, while the Vulcans fall to 18-5 overall and 13-3 in conference.
Kyra Pelayo added to her record-breaking season with a match-high 42 digs. Four players posted double figures in kills highlighted by Natasha Bell who had 13 kills and 11 digs. Kelly Balanay recorded a match-high eight blocks.
Hillary Hurley had 16 kills to lead the Vulcans.
HPU suffered a tough game one loss but responded with a strong win in game two to even the match. HPU quickly grabbed a 7-2 lead and extended to a 21-8 advantage before grabbing the win.
Game three looked to be going UH-Hilo's way as a pair of kills by Kawena Cubi-Otineru gave her team a 16-12 lead. The Sea Warriors rallied to even the game at 18-18 then won it on a Sanoe Recca kill. Recca posted 13 kills and six digs.
Following the win, HPU seniors Tricia Yoshimura and Kelly Balanay were honored for their years of service to HPU volleyball.
The Sea Warriors now await a possible at-large bid to the NCAA West Regional. They will find out tomorrow, November 14, when the NCAA Tournament field is announced. The selection show can be viewed on the NCAA website at http://www.ncaa.com/allaccess/index.html?media=203261. The show will begin at 5:00 p.m. Hawai'i Time.
