Honolulu, HI (September 8, 2012) – The Hawai'i Pacific volleyball team (5-2) dropped Alaska-Fairbanks (2-4) today in the final match of the Outrigger Hotels & Resorts HPU challenge at St. Andrew's Priory. HPU won 3-1 (25-21, 25-22, 23-25, 25-21).

In a statistical abnormality, both teams hit .000 in the first set but HPU jumped out to a 14-6 lead. Fairbanks cut the lead to three at 24-21, but a service error ended it. The second set was tight early and was all even at 17. Three different Sea Warriors recorded kills down the stretch to take a two set lead. HPU had to play from behind for most of the third set, but tied the match at 23. However, a pair of Nanook kills forced a fourth set. The fourth set was close until HPU pulled away late. The Sea Warriors led 24-18 before a Haley Doerfler kill finished the match.

Samantha Rummans led HPU with 14 kills and also had a .303 hitting percentage. Doerfler was again magnificent in the middle with 11 kills and a .667 hitting percentage. She has 17 kills in her last 24 swings with just one error in the last two matches. Pihanakealoha Kea had 30 assists as Chelsey Buyuan had 20 digs.

HPU will play its first road match of the season at Chaminade on Wednesday in a non-conference match.  

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