ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Hawai'i Pacific kicked off its 2025 season with back-to-back matches in the Alaska/Hawai'i Challenge, taking on strong Great Northwest foes Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Fairbanks. While the Sharks came up short in both contests, the trip showcased key contributors on both sides of the ball and gave the team valuable early-season experience to build on.

Key Performances

• Lindsey Tapp powered the offense with 10 total kills, including a team-high 6 against Alaska Fairbanks, while also adding strong defensive numbers with 9 digs.

• Taylor Kaoihana-Lei was a force in the back row, leading all Sharks with 30 digs across the two matches.

• Marley Sandoval provided consistency at the net, combining for 6 kills and 6 blocks.

• Sofia Cooper delivered a team-best 7 kills in the opener against Alaska Anchorage and added 2 blocks the next day.

• Lauren Harris set the tone offensively with 20 assists and steadied the defense with 12 digs.

• Chayse Hoon chipped in 8 kills across the weekend while helping at the net with blocks.

Game Highlights

Against Alaska Anchorage, the Sharks showed balance on offense with three different players recording at least 4 kills. Cooper led the way with 7, while Harris distributed 12 assists to keep the attack spread. Defensively, Kaoihana-Lei and Tapp kept rallies alive with a combined 22 digs, helping HPU extend several points against a ranked Seawolf squad.

In the matchup with Alaska Fairbanks, the Sharks leaned on Tapp and Sandoval up front, while Kaoihana-Lei was everywhere in the back row with 17 digs. McCutcheon and Harris combined for 17 assists to pace the offense, while HPU recorded 5 blocks as a team — their highest total of the weekend.

Looking Ahead

Though the Sharks opened the season at 0-2, the Alaska trip offered valuable opportunities to test lineups, strengthen team chemistry, and gain confidence against quality regional opponents. HPU will carry that experience forward as they continue nonconference play and prepare for PacWest competition.