HONOLULU, Hawai'i - In a pivotal matchup, the Hawai'i Pacific women's basketball team secured a decisive 66-52 victory over the Hawaii-Hilo Vulcans in the opening game of the Island battle. This triumph not only marked a significant win for the Sharks but also served as a crucial opportunity to break free from a two-game losing streak.
The first half witnessed a compelling duel in the paint, with Ella Berge of Hawai'i Pacific showcasing her dominance on both ends of the court. Berge's commanding presence resulted in an impressive stat line, collecting four rebounds and contributing six points. The see-saw battle unfolded with seven lead changes, highlighting the competitiveness of the matchup.
In a pivotal moment, senior Keona Loftis, entering the game off the bench, injected a burst of momentum for the Sharks. Loftis' clutch three-pointer not only electrified the crowd but also set the stage for a crucial sequence. Building on this momentum, Erika Glenn and Berge combined forces to give Hawai'i Pacific a one-point lead as the teams headed into the halftime break.
The second half witnessed a notable shift in HPU's offensive dynamics. In a season where their defensive prowess had garnered acclaim, the Sharks faced occasional challenges in scoring production. True-freshman Leslie Mojica emerged as a pivotal contributor, punishing the Vulcans from beyond the arc going converting on both of her attempts. Mojica's sharpshooting prowess enabled the Sharks to outscore the Vulcans 16-10 in the third quarter.
With a comfortable advantage, the Sharks aimed to put away their rivals for good in the fourth quarter. Haley Masaki and Kalina Obrey, both Kamehameha alums, took charge and made life miserable for the Vulcans. The duo went a combined 14/16 from the charity stripe, showcasing their composure under pressure. The Sharks cruised to a 66-52 victory, sealing the win with a well-rounded performance on both ends of the court.
Masaki showcased her skill and leadership throughout the game, finishing with an impressive stat line of 11 points and five assists. Her ability to orchestrate plays and contribute on both ends of the court played a pivotal role in the Sharks' success.
Berge, making a significant impact in just 15 minutes of action, demonstrated her prowess on the boards by snagging an impressive 10 rebounds. Berge's efficiency and effectiveness in limited playing time underscored her value to the team's frontcourt and highlighted the depth of talent within the Hawai'i Pacific roster.
On the defensive end, Megan Jones made her mark by sending back three shots in the game. Notably, Jones now stands just nine blocks away from breaking Abby Spurgin's single-season blocks record (61). Her shot-blocking prowess adds an additional layer to the Sharks' formidable defense, making her a key player to watch as the season progresses.
As the team celebrates this well-earned victory, attention now turns to the upcoming PacWest matchup against powerhouse Azusa Pacific. The Sharks, buoyed by their recent success, will look to carry the momentum into the challenging contest and continue their pursuit of excellence in both ends of the court.
