Honolulu, HI (September 10, 2011) – Hawai'i Pacific won the final game of the Phoenix Invitational over Western New Mexico 3-1 (16-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-22). However, the Sea Warriors lost to Grand Canyon in the PacWest opener 1-3 (20-25, 25-18, 23-25, 23-25).

 HPU started slow against WNM, losing the first set by nine points. HPU responded by winning the next three sets to win the match. Sanoe Recca and Natasha Bell had 13 and 12 kills respectively. Bell also added 18 digs, which in part, led to her selection to the all-tournament team. Recca had 16 digs and Pihana Kea had 11, but Kyra Pelayo led the team with 22. Kea handled most of the setting, racking up 36 assists. Haley Doerfler posted a game-high six blocks. Allison Bonk continued her strong play of late with nine kills.

 In the PacWest opener, HPU fell to GCU. Although each set was close, overall HPU was outplayed in most statistical categories.  Bell led the way with 17 kills and 21 digs. Brittney Wood, Courtney Curran and Doerfler each had eight kills. Kea also had a double-double with 39 assists and 13 digs. Recca had 20 digs and Pelayo had a team-high 28.

The loss drops HPU to 5-5 overall and 0-1 in the PacWest, GCU is now 5-2 and 1-0.

HPU will next host BYU-H on September 14th at 7 P.M. at St. Andrew's Priory. The game can be seen and heard on the American One Network.