HONOLULU - The Hawaii Pacific University women's basketball team played in one final match before the 2022 year ended. They hosted Champion Christian College in a non-conference matchup Thursday afternoon inside the Shark Tank. The resilience from HPU in each quarter boosted them to a 65-56 victory over CCC.

The Sharks (5-5, 3-0 PacWest) end the year on a victory, while the Tigers (6-2) will play against Chaminade University on January 2. 

A beautiful pass play from senior Avery Cargill to junior Haley Masaki started off the scoring for both teams. It was close for the first five minutes of the quarter, however, it was HPU favored in the final five. They outscored CCC 9-4 to close out the first frame leading 17-10. 

Looking to respond, the Tigers opened up quarter two with four straight points. But the Sharks regained control, finishing the first half with a 14-6 run, highlighted by an 8-0 run to start the landslide. As the buzzer sounded, Hawaii Pacific entered the lockers with a 31-20 lead. 

The Sharks were doing well, holding a lead of at least seven points throughout the start of the third quarter. However, an 8-0 run saw the Tigers close the gap to within three points, 39-36, with three and a half minutes to go. Fortunately, HPU seemed to strive in the final minutes of any quarter today, as they fought back to a 49-40 scoreline by the end of the third. 

Both teams traded baskets throughout the fourth quarter, but HPU never saw their lead dip below six points. They closed the game out with a 65-56 victory over Champion Christian College. 

With height in favor of the Sharks, graduate Abby Spurgin had herself a game, scoring 26, hauling in nine rebounds, and blocking two shots. 

Cargill followed behind her with 12 points, while also dishing out a team leading seven assists.

Meanwhile, senior Ella Berge led the team with ten rebounds, she also put away six points. 

The Sharks will return to conference play in the new year, hosting the Concordia University Irvine Golden Eagles on Tuesday, January 3. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. HT inside the Shark Tank.