Honolulu, HI (October 13, 2012) – The Hawai'i Pacific volleyball team (8-7, 2-5) earned a much needed 3-2 victory (25-19, 23-25, 12-25, 25-22, 15-13) over Point Loma Nazarene University (7-11, 3-6) on Saturday night at St. Andrew's Priory. Amanda Moriarty was huge for the Sea Warriors with 13 kills and 25 digs, both team-highs.

It was a confusing night of volleyball with both teams looking completely dominant at different times. HPU would flex its muscle first in the opening set; HPU would gain a 17-10 advantage and hold on for the six-point set one victory. It looked to be HPU's night as it led late into the second set. The Sea Warriors held 19-15 and 23-19 advantages, but PLNU rattled off six straight kills to steal the set.

The late second set collapse looked like it might doom the Sea Warriors as HPU suffered a hangover and was pummeled 25-12 in the third set. However, HPU bounced back in the fourth set to take a 15-10 lead on a kill by Kasey Thompson. HPU would extend the lead to 23-16 before holding off a late surge by PLNU for the 25-22 win.

The fifth set was similar to the forth with HPU gaining a cushion at 10-5 and then holding on. With the set tied at 13, a kill from Haley Doerfler put HPU on the brink and then a hitting error on PLNU sealed the match.

Elizabeth Culpepper continued her strong play of late with 12 kills. Haley Doerfler had a strong all-around match with seven kills (hit .294), seven digs, and nine block assists. HPU, as a team, held a 15.5-6 advantage in blocks, which may have decided the match. Pihanakealoha Kea posted another double-double with 36 assists and 16 digs. Kara Wong and Chelsey Buyuan also had double figure dig nights.

“We had to pull out every tool in our tool box for that victory. It was a team effort,” said head coach Daryl Kapis.

HPU will next host Cal Baptist on Monday at 7 PM at St. Andrew's Priory.

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