Honolulu, HI (September 17, 2011) – Hawai'i Pacific was brilliant in an early season road test against one of the best teams in the PacWest. HPU swept UH-Hilo on the Big Island 3-0 (25-10, 25-23, 25-15), a place which had been tough to win for HPU in recent years.

HPU came out strong in the first set taking a 10-3 lead on a Sanoe Recca kill. The margin remained the same at 17-10 before HPU reeled off the next eight points to win the set 25-10. HPU fell behind early in the second set 6-1, and trailed for most of the set. HPU took its first lead at 23-22, and then after Hilo tied it at 23, Recca and Natasha Bell registered kills to win the set 25-23. The third set was much like the first, all Sea Warriors. HPU again led 10-3 early, and continued to play well, leading 24-11 at one point, before winning the set 25-15.

Coach Daryl Kapis was pleased with his team's performance, “We executed our game plan on what to attak and where. We struggled in serve receive for most of the match, but we figured out a way to be great out of system.”
Bell and Recca each had 11 kills, Recca hit .257. Pihana Kea had a game-high 28 assists to go with 10 digs. Kyra Pelayo led all competitors with 23 digs, Recca added 13.

UH-Hilo was led by Hillary Hurley who had 15 kills. The Vulcans drop to 6-1 on the season and 2-1 on the PacWest.

Kapis felt good to win in Hilo. “After losing here four times in a row, it was quite emotional for us to win in their house.”

The win gives HPU its second big win vs. a conference rival in as many games; HPU beat BYU-H 3-1 earlier in the week. Those two opponents have combined to win the PacWest every year since HPU last won the title in 2005.   

HPU improves to 7-5 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

The Sea Warriors next host Notre Dame de Namur on Friday at St. Andrew's Priory at 7 PM.