(Honolulu, HI) The Hawai'i Pacific University women's basketball team started their PacWest campaign on a high note with a 59-50 victory over Hawaii Hilo at the Shark Tank. The Sharks relied on balanced scoring, tenacious defense, and strong rebounding to secure their third win of the season and set a strong foundation for conference play.
HPU set the tone early, outscoring the Vulcans 17-10 in the first quarter behind the sharp shooting of Morgan Hawkins and Serenity Santos, who combined for nine points in the period. The Sharks continued their strong defensive effort throughout the game, holding Hawaii Hilo to just 28.6% shooting from the field and 18.2% from beyond the arc. With this gritty performance, the Sharks look ready to build momentum as they navigate the challenges of PacWest play.
#GoSharks
Key Performances
- Morgan Hawkins: Led the Sharks with 13 points, shooting 4-of-7 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line, while grabbing five rebounds and adding two assists.
- Serenity Santos: Contributed 10 points, including 2-of-4 from three-point range, and added two rebounds and two steals.
- Ella Berge: Tallied 10 points and pulled down a team-high seven rebounds, hitting 2-of-4 from beyond the arc.
- Erika Glenn: Provided a spark off the bench with eight points, four rebounds, and two assists in 18 minutes of action.
Team Highlights
- Dominance on the Glass: The Sharks outrebounded the Vulcans 46-36, with nine offensive boards leading to crucial second-chance opportunities.
- Balanced Attack: HPU had nine players contribute to the scoring effort, with the bench adding 22 points.
- Defensive Prowess: The Sharks recorded seven steals and six blocks, disrupting the Vulcans' offensive rhythm throughout the game.