COSTA MESA, CA – Hawai'i Pacific volleyball battled on the road but fell to a strong Vanguard squad, 3–0 (25–22, 25–18, 25–21) Thursday night at the Freed Center for Leadership and Service.

The Sharks (4-10, 0-3 PacWest) were competitive in each frame, highlighted by a sharp third set where they hit .324 as a team and went point-for-point with the Lions (9-1, 1-0 PacWest) before slipping late.

Marley Sandoval led the HPU attack with seven kills on an impressive .538 hitting percentage while adding three blocks. Sofia Cooper tallied six kills on .235 hitting, and Peyton McBride added five kills to go along with a team-high 12 digs and two blocks. Ella Schoene chipped in three kills and three blocks, while setter Maile Salang directed the offense with 21 assists.

HPU finished with 28 kills on .133 hitting and recorded six blocks and five aces, with Riley Komo and Teiva Miller each serving up two. Vanguard countered with 39 kills on .208 hitting, using timely runs to separate in each set.

Despite the loss, the Sharks showed resilience and stretches of efficiency, particularly in the third frame where their offense clicked. HPU will look to carry that momentum forward as PacWest play continues on the road.