HONOLULU, Hawai'i -  In the first PacWest rematch of the season at the Shark Tank last night, Hawai'i Pacific University's women's basketball team roared back to life with a resounding 67-48 victory over the Academy of Art Urban Knights. The win marked a crucial turnaround for the Sharks, who entered the game on a two-game losing streak, including a 44-55 defeat against the Urban Knights just a week ago.

The night was not only about redemption on the court but also marked the debuts of two players to the 2023/24 roster – junior guard Allison Ross and transfer Tiana Holland from the College of the Sequoias. Ross, known for her sharpshooting prowess, had previously sunk an impressive 55 threes since her freshman season in 2021. Meanwhile, Holland, a 2022/23 CVC Second Team All-Conference Selection, brought with her a wealth of experience, having amassed 391 points and 118 assists during her time with the Giants.

As the game tipped off, Megan Jones and Alba Rovira Ayuso engaged in a basket-for-basket exchange, keeping both teams deadlocked at 13-all after the first ten minutes. In a season plagued by offensive struggles, the Sharks showcased one of their best quarters, outscoring the Urban Knights 24-9 while boasting an impressive 57.1% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.

Meanwhile Ross wasted no time making her impact felt, concluding the first half with 12 points and an 80% three-point conversion rate. The Sharks headed into the break with a commanding 37-22 lead.

Returning to the court with unwavering determination, the Sharks continued their dominance, with junior point guard Haley Masaki emerging as a force to be reckoned with. Masaki delivered a season-high performance, contributing 13 points and 4 assists, while also making her presence felt on the defensive end with three steals and a block.

Ross continued her shooting clinic, adding another 15 points in the final two quarters, culminating in an impressive comeback with 27 points in just 20 minutes of play. Despite a more competitive third and fourth quarter, the Sharks' outstanding second-quarter display proved to be the decisive factor in securing the victory.

With this win, Hawai'i Pacific improves to a 4-8 overall record and remains a formidable contender in the PacWest Tournament race with a 2-3 record. The Sharks will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming clash against Dominican tomorrow at the Shark Tank.