HONOLULU — The University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team earned its first victory of the season Friday, defeating Utah Valley in a decisive three-set sweep at the Stan Sheriff Center during the OUTRIGGER Invitational.
After starting the season with four losses, including two in five sets, the Rainbow Wahine (1-4) secured the win with scores of 27-25, 25-20, 25-17. The victory snapped a winning streak for the Wolverines (3-3), who had swept their previous two tournament opponents.
Outside hitter Stella Adeyemi delivered a career-best performance, leading the offense with 17 kills on a .433 hitting percentage and adding two service aces. Freshman outside hitter Cha’lei Reid continued her strong play, contributing 15 kills with a .312 hitting percentage and two aces. Setter Adrianna Arquette orchestrated the attack with 34 assists, guiding the team to a season-high .330 hitting percentage.
Defensively, middle blocker Bri Gunderson was a dominant force at the net, recording nine blocks, including two solo. Tyla Reese Mane also made a significant impact with four kills, four blocks, and two aces. For Utah Valley, Sami Blackett led with 12 kills.
The opening set was a tight contest, with the teams trading points until a UVU block created a set point. Hawai’i fought back, saving two set points before a successful video challenge and an ace from Reid clinched the 27-25 win.
Hawai’i carried the momentum into the second set, building an early 4-0 lead and maintaining control throughout to win 25-20. In the third set, Utah Valley took an initial 3-0 lead, but the Rainbow Wahine responded with an 8-1 run. After UVU closed the gap to 19-17, Hawai’i mounted a final 6-0 surge, sealed by three consecutive kills from Reid, to complete the sweep.
The Rainbow Wahine will conclude the tournament on Sunday in a 5 p.m. matchup against St. John’s.
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