Box Score HONOLULU, HI (September 13, 2013) – Head Coach Daryl Kapis hit the century mark in career wins on Friday afternoon as his Sea Warriors (5-0) toppled San Francisco State (4-2)  3-1 in the opening game of the SeaWolf Spike hosted by Sonoma State University (25-14, 25-22, 20-25, 25-21).

After a strong start at home, HPU ventured out on the road for the first time in 2013. However, the momentum carried over into the first set as HPU pasted SF State. The Sea Warriors jumped out to a 9-2 lead on the strength on seven errors by the Gators. The lead was down to 17-13 before HPU ripped off an 8-1 run to win 25-14.

The second set was much tighter; it featured 12 ties and six lead changes. The Columbia Blue and Kelly Green found themselves down 20-18 late. However, a 4-0 run sparked by kills from Samantha Rummans and Kasey Thompson put HPU back in front and on the brink of taking the set. Rummans continued with the heavy lifting, pounding out the final two kills.

SF State, already having four victories over PacWest schools, wasn't done yet. It jumped the Sea Warriors for an 8-4 lead and maintained it through most of the match. HPU trailed 18-12 before a 6-1 run got the Sea Warriors back in the game at 19-18. However, a 4-0 mini-run by the Gators ended any thoughts of a sweep.

The fourth set remained close and was tied at 13 midway through, but a 5-1 run gave HPU some cushion at 18-14. HPU would maintain at least a two point lead the rest of the way, including at 23-21. Kills by Elizabeth Culpepper and Marie Fujii put the match on ice.

“It was really good to play as well as we did against a really good team considering we just flew into the Bay Area yesterday,” said Kapis.

Culpeper had a monster game for HPU notching 11 kills while hitting at a .556 clip. Rummans also accumulated 11 kills as Pomai Recca had 10.

Fujii passed out 24 assists, right behind her was Hannah Schuett who had 20.

Chelsey Buyuan had a team-high 15 digs while Recca added another double-double with 13 digs.

There is no time to rest for HPU as it is back on the floor tonight at 7:00 p.m. PST against 24th ranked, and host, Sonoma State.