EUGENE, Ore. — No. 7 Hawai'i Pacific University opened strong, but No. 2 Oregon was just too much in taking a 275.180-267.190 win over HPU in the 2019 season opener at Matthew Knight Arena.
 
The Sharks (0-1) posted solid performances for a season opening meet, while the Ducks (1-0) are looking to return to the top spot.
 
The Sharks opened the meet 36.55 in the Compulsory event, including a 9.85 in the Pyramid heat. However the Ducks recorded a 38.25 with 9.85s in both the Pyramid and Toss heats and never trailed again.
 
HPU notched a 27.80 in the Acro Event, with Oregon posting a 28.95.
 
The Sharks made a comeback in the Pyramid, their strongest event. HPU opened with a 9.80 in the Inversion, followed with a 9.60 in the Synchronized and finished with a 9.65 in the open to collect a 29.05 overall score in the event. The Ducks scored a 28.70 in the event to take a 95.90-93.40 lead at halftime.
 
In the Toss event, HPU recorded a 27.35 that included a 9.40 in the 450 Salto toss. Oregon added a 28.60 that included a 9.75 in the 450.
 
The Ducks bettered the Sharks in the Tumbling runs 56.350-52.650, with the Sharks posting their best in the Aerial Pass with a 9.775. That pass was better than UO who received a 9.750.
 
HPU hung with Oregon in the final Team Event, racking up a 93.79 of a possible 104.08 points. The Ducks collected 94.33 points from a start value of 107.53.
 
After getting the season underway, the Sharks are back to the practice mat until hosting their next meet on March 12th. That's when HPU welcomes No. 1 Baylor to the island, with a 7 p.m. meet at Moanalua High School. The Sharks host their only other meet of the season that same week in welcoming No. 6 Fairmont State on March 15.