Hilo, HI – Hawaii Pacific University fought valiantly but ultimately fell in a five-set battle to Western Oregon on Friday afternoon at Vulcan Gym, dropping a 3-2 match (26-24, 25-22, 13-25, 26-28, 8-15). The loss moves the Sharks to 0-4 on the season, while Western Oregon improves to 2-0.

HPU came out strong, winning the first two sets 26-24 and 25-22. However, Western Oregon roared back to dominate the third set 25-13 before edging out HPU in a thrilling 28-26 fourth set and securing the match with a 15-8 victory in the final set.

Key Performers:

• Ella Dotson and Sofia Cooper led the Sharks with 11 kills apiece, with Erika Markentin contributing 7.
• From the service line, Brynne Hopeau-Lampitoc posted 3 aces, while Taylor Kaoihana added 2.
• Ali Rumpel recorded 3 blocks, while Markentin and Dotson each added 2 and 1, respectively.
• Tehani Pescaia led the setting duties with an impressive 35 assists.
• Defensively, Hopeau-Lampitoc and Pescaia each tallied 16 digs, while Rylie Komo chipped in 9.

For Western Oregon, Maela Honma led with 13 kills, and Kilinoelehua Helm added 12 kills to power their offense. Chloe Asciutto was a force from the service line with 8 aces, helping the Wolves take control in the later sets.

Though HPU had the upper hand early on, Western Oregon's late-match surge proved too much for the Sharks to handle. HPU will look to rebound and secure their first win as they continue to push forward in the season.