SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -  As the calendar flips to 2024, the Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) women's basketball team is gearing up for a pivotal two-game road trip to the Bay Area, facing off against Academy of Art and Dominican. With a 3-5 record on the year, the Sharks find themselves in the middle of the PacWest Conference standings, sharing the third spot with Dominican and Concordia-Irvine. However, this road trip provides an opportunity for HPU to climb the ranks and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

The Sharks come into this Bay Area showdown with confidence after a successful outing at the 2023 Hoops in Hawaii Classic. Winning their lone matchup against the fifth-ranked NAIA team, Carroll College, the team showcased their resilience and potential. True freshman Leslie Mojica's stellar performance earned her a well-deserved spot on the All-Tournament team, hinting at a promising future for the young guard.

First-year Head Coach Ray Alvarado has quickly made his mark on the program, cultivating a reputation for one of the most defensively sound lineups in the PacWest. Opponents facing the Sharks have struggled mightily on the offensive end, scoring 33 percent less than their season average. This defensive prowess has become a trademark of the team, and it's a testament to the coaching staff's emphasis on disciplined play.

Leading the charge on the defensive end is standout player Megan Jones, whose shot-blocking abilities have become a game-changer for the Sharks. Jones has showcased her dominance in the paint, accumulating at least four blocks in an impressive 75% of the games played this season. As she continues to swat away shots with authority, Jones is on pace to make history, potentially becoming the first PacWest player since Azusa Pacific's Laura Pranger in the 2021-22 season to achieve 100 blocks in a single campaign.

The Sharks now turn their attention to the Bay Area challenge, fully aware that these matchups could be a turning point in their season. With a focus on defensive tenacity and a growing reputation for stifling opponents, HPU aims to rise in the PacWest standings and make a statement in the 2024 portion of their schedule.