University of Hawaii Volleyball Earns Impressive Win Over No. 13 San Diego, Sets Up Exciting Matchup Against No. 9 Oregon
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the University of Hawaii women’s volleyball team emerged victorious against No. 13 ranked San Diego. The match was a true test of the team’s abilities, and they rose to the occasion, securing a hard-fought 27-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-22 win. With this impressive triumph, the University of Hawaii now sets its sights on a showdown with No. 9 ranked Oregon in the Hawaiian Airlines Rainbow Wahine Classic.
The crowd at the Simplifi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center witnessed an outstanding performance from the Rainbow Wahine team throughout the match. They showed great precision and skill in the early sets, dominating their opponents with a strong offensive display. Senior middle Amber Igiede was instrumental in securing the win, delivering back-to-back kills in the fourth set to extend Hawaii’s lead to 23-20. Kennedi Evans and setter Kate Lang combined for a crucial block that sealed the victory, earning the team a well-deserved ovation from the 4,576 spectators in attendance.
Hawaii’s balanced attack was a key factor in their success. In a significant improvement from the previous match, the Rainbow Wahine had three players with double-digit kills. Amber Igiede, a returning AVCA third-team All-American, led the way with an impressive 18 kills, 14 of which came in the first two sets. Caylen Alexander, a sophomore, contributed 15 kills and showed great composure in crucial moments. Riley Wagoner displayed her versatility with 10 kills and 10 digs, while Kennedi Evans provided stability in the middle with eight kills and an impressive hitting percentage of .333.
Coach Robyn Ah Mow expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly their balanced attacking strategy. She emphasized the importance of all four hitters making significant contributions to the offensive effort. The Rainbow Wahine were able to execute this game plan effectively, showcasing their versatility and depth.
The opening set saw Hawaii dominate with a well-rounded performance in all facets of the game. They established an early lead of 17-11 through a combination of tough serves and precise passing. However, San Diego rallied impressively and managed to take a 24-22 lead, nearing victory. In a nail-biting finish, the Rainbow Wahine fought back, with Amber Igiede and Caylen Alexander delivering crucial kills to secure a 27-25 win.
The second set witnessed another great display from Hawaii, with Amber Igiede once again leading the charge. Subbed in with Hawaii trailing 21-20, Igiede made an immediate impact, delivering an emphatic one-handed solo block to level the scores. Her exceptional play continued, contributing two more kills to secure a 24-22 advantage. A hitting error from San Diego handed Hawaii a 2-0 set lead.
The third set proved to be a challenge for the Rainbow Wahine, with San Diego finding a way to neutralize Amber Igiede’s impact. Hawaii struggled with service errors, allowing San Diego to gain momentum. Despite a valiant comeback effort from Hawaii, they were unable to overcome their opponents, falling 25-18.
Now, the University of Hawaii turns its attention to a highly anticipated showdown against No. 9 ranked Oregon. The match promises to be a test of both teams’ abilities and determination. Oregon has yet to drop a set in their first two matches, making them a formidable opponent. Coach Robyn Ah Mow expressed her excitement for the upcoming match and encouraged fans to come out and support the team. The Rainbow Wahine are eager to take on top-tier opponents and are confident that they will rise to the challenge.
In another match of the Hawaiian Airlines Rainbow Wahine Classic, No. 9 ranked Oregon continued their impressive start to the season with a sweeping victory over Northwestern. Sophomore Mimi Colyer led the way with 16 kills, while Morgan Lewis contributed nine kills and an impressive hitting percentage of .571. Despite a strong performance from Julia Sangiacomo, who recorded a team-high 10 kills for Northwestern, the team was unable to overcome Oregon’s dominance.
The University of Hawaii’s women’s volleyball team’s victory over San Diego sets the stage for an exciting clash with Oregon for the tournament championship. Fans can expect a thrilling display of skill and determination as these two top-ranked teams battle it out for victory. The Rainbow Wahine are ready for the challenge and are determined to secure another impressive win in front of their passionate supporters.
