Box Score HONOLULU, HI (September 5, 2013) – With luminaries such as Hawai'i Governor Neil Abercrombie and Hawai'i Pacific President Geoffrey Bannister on hand, the HPU volleyball team (2-0) couldn't help but show off in a 3-1 win over a talented Chico State team (0-1).  

The game looked easy early on as HPU raced out to a 4-0 lead in the first set. HPU kept Chico State at arm's length until late when the Wildcats pulled to within one at 14-13. HPU then used a 6-2 spurt to regain control at 20-15 on a kill by freshman sensation Pomai Recca. HPU iced the first set on a kill by Kasey Thompson, who was playing against her sister, the starting setter for Chico State.

Set two was a house of horrors for HPU, falling behind 7-2 out of the gate. Things wouldn't get any better as Chico State tied the match at one set apiece.

The Sea Warriors responded in set three by jumping out to a 3-0 lead and then 8-2. Chico State battled back however and grabbed a late 22-20 lead. An Elizabeth Culpepper kill drew HPU to within one before Samantha Rummans' back-to-back kills put HPU in front at 23-22. After a Chico State hitting error, Thompson again slammed the door shut.

"I am real proud how the team responded in game three after a letdown in game two. It showed some real character that we will have to rely on down the road," said HPU Head Coach Daryl Kapis.

The fourth set started off close, tied at 10, but HPU would rip off an 8-2 run that essentially ended the match. Marie Fujii sent the home folks away happy with an ace to end it.

"We knew Chico would be good (19-10 in 2012), it feels good to get an early season quality win. They are well coached and we know we are gonna have a battle when we play them again next week," said Kapis. The two teams will meet again on September 14th in a neutral site match held at Sonoma State.  

After a nearly flawless opener, Chico State predictably keyed on Haley Doerfler. The junior still managed six kills to go with 4.5 blocks. Tonight was the Recca show however, as she pounded out 15 kills with a staggering .345 hitting percentage. Thompson added 10 kills; Rummans had nine, as Culpepper contributed seven.

Fujii led the team with 30 assists; Hannah Schuett added 14 to go with seven digs.

Recca also was tops on the club with 12 digs. Chelsey Buyuan was right behind her with 10. Amanda Moriarty, hitting exclusively from the back row, chipped in eight digs.

HPU continues its busy weekend with match against Lewis University tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Priory.