Honolulu, HI (August 26, 2011) – In the first game of the Hawai'i-Alaska Challenge, Hawai'i Pacific lost to Alaska Anchorage 3-1 (22-25, 23-25, 25-19, 19-25). Freshman Haley Doerfler was impressive in her collegiate debut registering 10 kills while posting a .471 hitting percentage.

The match was hotly contested throughout. With the score tied at eight in the first set, Anchorage went on a 7-1 run, but the Sea Warriors were undeterred and made it a 23-20 game late but could not finish. Neither side led by more than four in a back-and-fourth second set, with Anchorage talking the last two points with the match tied at 23. The third set was all Sea Warriors as HPU ran out to a 20-8 lead, Anchorage made a late push but it was not enough. In the fourth set the score remained tight until late, with the score tied at 16 Anchorage went on a 6-1 run to gain control and finish the match.

Junior Sanoe Recca also recorded 10 kills to tie for the team-high, while senior Natasha Bell had nine. Recca also had 13 digs. Junior Pihana Kea also earned a double-double with 34 assists and 17 digs; she added three aces and three blocks. Preseason Libero of the Year, Kyra Pelayo led the team with 22 digs and also added three aces.

HPU is now 0-1 on the season as Anchorage evens its record at 1-1. Anchorage was led by Robyn Burton who had a game-high 17 kills.

HPU is back in action tomorrow against Alaska-Fairbanks at St. Andrew's Priory, first serve is set for 1 p.m.