Hilo, HI – Hawaii Pacific University came up just short in a nail-biting five-set match against Saint Martin's on Thursday evening at Vulcan Gym, losing 3-2. Despite a valiant effort and strong individual performances, the Sharks dropped to 0-3 on the season after a 25-18, 15-25, 18-25, 25-22, 15-7 defeat.
The match opened with Saint Martin's taking the first set 25-18, but HPU fought back in the second and third sets, winning them 25-15 and 25-18, respectively. The Saints responded in the fourth set, edging out HPU 25-22 to force a decisive fifth set, where they sealed the match with a 15-7 victory.
Key Performers:
- HPU's Ella Dotson led the Sharks with 10 kills, while Ella Schoene added 9, and Sofia Cooper contributed 8.
- From the service line, Rylie Komo, Lauren Harris, and Taylor Kaoihana each recorded 2 aces, keeping the pressure on the Saints' defense.
- Ali Rumpel led the blocking efforts for the Sharks with 4 blocks, while Cooper and Schoene added 2 blocks apiece.
- Lauren Harris dished out a team-high 29 assists, while Tehani Pescaia chipped in with 7.
- Defensively, Erika Markentin led the backline with 12 digs, supported by Brynne Hopeau-Lampitoc with 10 and Kaoihana with 9.
Saint Martin's attack was paced by Emily Garten, who posted 19 kills, and Emmy Hansen, who tallied 12 kills and 4 service aces. The Saints finished with a .161 hitting percentage compared to HPU's .151, with both teams showing grit and resilience throughout the match.
Despite the tough loss, the Sharks displayed solid teamwork and determination, with key performances from their young core. HPU will look to regroup and bounce back as the season progresses.
