HONOLULU – The Hawaii Pacific University Sharks volleyball team hosted the Holy Names University Hawks for a Pacwest conference contest, Friday night in the Shark Tank. It was an exciting game that would not go in HPU's favor as they fell 3-1. 

The Sharks (2-15, 2-9 Pacwest) see their first blemish in three games, while the Hawks (10-11, 5-7) have won back-to-back games.
 
A strong defensive start for the Hawks slowed down the Sharks red-hot offense. After a timeout rejuvenated the attack, HPU found themselves down by two, 16-14 before forcing the HNU to take a timeout. They would not slow down as the Sharks took set one, 25-21

Going into the second set, both teams would not give up any ground. It was not long before the Hawks found some fire and found themselves leading 23-16, looking to tie up the set count. However, a late spark for the Sharks saw them crawling back into the set, eventually tying it up at 24 a piece. Despite the lost lead, HNU was not shaken, as they closed the set 26-24. 
 
With a set per team, the Sharks were ready to build off of the momentum they had near the end of set two. They exploded to an early 9-2 lead, forcing an early timeout from the Hawks. The timeout would prove vital as HNU came roaring back with their own 8-3 run. Soon the teams were tied at 18-18, before the Hawks would take back-to-back sets, winning set three 25-23. 
 
The building was pumped with excitement entering the fourth set. The Hawks showed early power as they jumped to an 11-8 lead. The Sharks continued to show resilience as they battled back to a one point deficit at 20-19. HNU then went to match point, 24-23, before taking their final timeout. With tension in the building, the Hawks were able to close out the final point, winning the set 25-23, as well as the game, 3-1
 
Leading the Sharks in kills was graduate student outside Riley Gill with 14. At the net, senior middle blocker Demi Winters combined for 3.5 blocks. In the assist category, sophomore setter Pua Beazley led with 25 assists, graduate student setter Maile Powell followed with 21 of her own. 
 
Hawaii Pacific University will continue their home stand next Thursday, October 20. They will be hosting Point Loma Nazarene University at 7 p.m. in the Shark Tank