HONOLULU- The Hawaii Pacific University women's basketball team played their first game in 16 days, hosting a PacWest conference opener against Chaminade University inside the Shark Tank Tuesday afternoon. HPU started on fire, and stayed warm throughout the contest, winning 79-55 over CUH. 

The Sharks (1-3) earned their first victory of the season, while the Silverswords (0-5) host Hawai'i Hilo in their next matchup. 

Hawaii Pacific began the game hot, going on a 9-0 run, started by senior Avery Cargill swishing a three pointer. Graduate Keona Loftis followed up with her own three a minute later. After Chaminade scored a pair of baskets, the Sharks would go on an 11-0 run, highlighted by Cargill continuing to make it rain from beyond the arc, as she dropped a couple more. By the end of the first, HPU led CUH 22-10. 

The second quarter was much tighter, as both sides did not let the other go on any defining run. Chaminade tested the free throw ability of the Sharks, however, they were not phased, knocking down all ten attempts in the second frame. Hawaii Pacific held a 43-26 lead going into halftime. 

The Sharks kept their distance in the second half, not allowing the Silverswords to come within 14 points. HPU earned their first victory under head coach Katie Novak, beating CUH 79-55. 

Cargill had herself a game, tying a career-high six made three pointers, finishing with a team-high 22 points. 

Graduate Abby Spurgin had 18 points, collected eight rebounds, and swatted away two shots. 

Sophomore Jordyn Jensen and junior Kalina Obrey were monsters on the board, grabbing 15 and 12 respectively. 

Finally, junior Haley Masaki and Loftis dished up their teammates nicely, finishing with five and four assists a piece. 

The Sharks will continue more PacWest conference play in a couple of days when they host the University of Hawai'i Hilo Vulcans on Thursday, December 1. Tip off in the Shark Tank is slated for 4:30 p.m. HT.