HILO, Hawai'i – Hawai'i Pacific opened the 2026 season at the Alaska/Hawai'i Challenge, hosted by Hawai'i Hilo at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, facing Great Northwest Athletic Conference opponents Alaska Fairbanks and Alaska Anchorage in its opening weekend.
The Sharks dropped both matches in straight sets, falling to Alaska Fairbanks, 25-16, 28-26, 25-14, before concluding the tournament with a 25-15, 25-20, 25-18 loss to Alaska Anchorage.
Against Alaska Fairbanks, HPU was led offensively by Sophia Cooper, who recorded a team-high 12 kills. Kare Ann Oshiro added six kills while hitting .313, and Katherine Michelbook was efficient in limited opportunities, finishing with four kills on seven swings for a .571 hitting percentage. Lauren Harris distributed 12 assists, while Oshiro paced the defense with eight digs.
The Sharks battled throughout the second set, pushing the Nanooks beyond the 25-point mark before Alaska Fairbanks claimed the frame, 28-26. HPU finished the match with 31 kills, five service aces and 46 digs.
In Saturday's tournament finale against Alaska Anchorage, Cooper once again led the Sharks with 12 kills while hitting .241. Ella Schoene and Jordyn Pascone each added five kills, while Rosie Larkin recorded a team-high 17 assists. Cooper also finished with a team-best nine digs.
HPU showed improvement in the second set, scoring 20 points and finishing with 33 kills as a team. The Sharks also received service aces from Rosie Larkin, Jordyn Pascone, Raiatea Campbell and Kare Ann Oshiro.
Over the two-match tournament, Cooper totaled 24 kills to lead the Sharks offensively. Oshiro combined for eight kills and nine digs, while Schoene added nine kills over the opening weekend. HPU also received contributions from several newcomers and returners as the Sharks opened the 2026 campaign.
The Alaska/Hawai'i Challenge marked the opening competition of the 2026 season as Hawai'i Pacific continues its nonconference schedule.
