St. George, UT (October 24, 2011) – After dropping the first two matches on this road trip, Hawai'i Pacific responded with a 3-1 win over Dixie State in Utah (23-25, 25-20, 27-25, 25-22). The Red Storm took the first set before HPU reeled off three consecutive sets.

HPU trailed early in the first set 5-1, but the Sea Warriors would soon tie it up and then take the lead. Leading 23-19 and seemingly on the verge of victory, HPU gave up six consecutive points to drop the set. The second set was close throughout, with HPU holding a 17-16 lead until a 4-0 mini-run gave HPU a five point cushion. The teams would then exchange points with HPU getting the victory. The third set was also very tight; HPU trailed 24-22 but fought off several set points and tied the game at 25. It was back-to-back kills from Natasha  Bell and Haley Doerfler that sealed it.  The fourth set again saw the teams tied in the late stages. With the match tied at 20, HPU took five of the next seven points to win it.

Natasha Bell led HPU with 16 kills and also pitched in 16 digs. Sanoe Recca had 10 kills to go with her 28 digs. Middle blockers Courtney Curran and Doerfler combined for 18 kills and nine blocks while hitting over .225. Pihana Kea had 23 assists and 11 digs to go along with three aces. Hannah Schuett also had a double-double with 16 assists and 10 digs. Kyra Pelayo led the team with 29 digs.

HPU and Dixie State will play again tomorrow in St. George at 7 P.M. MST.