Box Score HONOLULU, HI (December 4, 2013)—The Hawai`i Pacific Women's Basketball Team opened Pacific West Conference play with a 70-62 victory over visiting UH Hilo Wednesday night at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena. The Sea Warriors move to 2-1 on the season and 1-0 in PacWest play while the Vulcans drop to 1-3 and 0-2 in conference.
 
The game was a defensive battle early with each team struggling to gain separation from the other.
 
The Sea Warriors lock down defense held the Vulcans to 20.6% (7-34) shooting from the floor including a paltry 12.5% (1-8) from three-point range. Offensively HPU hit 11 of 28 (39.3%) shots from the floor including 5-13 (38.5%) from long range.
 
The Vuclans kept the game close in the first half by taking an extra 13 shots from the foul line while HPU did most of its damage from behind the arc. After four ties and five lead changes, HPU took a 27-25 lead to the break.
 
In the second half, HPU's offense came to life while its suffocating zone continued to give the Vulcans trouble.
 
The Sea Warriors steadily built their lead that peaked at 11 points after Laken McClelland found freshman Lauren Nicolosi on the elbow for a jumper with 3:42 to play.
 
UHH would cut the lead to five with only 25 seconds left in regulation, but key free throws from Nicolosi and Brittany Hale iced the game for the Sea Warriors down the stretch.
 
With 24 points and 10 rebounds, senior Skye Savini led the way offensively for the Sea Warriors. Ieva Nagy also registered a double-double with 11 points and 11 boards. Shianne Solomon added 16 points including a 4-4 performance from three-point range while Hale finished with an impressive game-high seven assists.
 
The Sea Warriors next face Chaminade at the McCabe Gymnasium on December 7th. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.