Volleyball team concludes play in Hawai’i with loss to Hilo

The Western Colorado volleyball team concluded its four-match stint in Hawai'i on Saturday afternoon, wrapping up competition at the Hawaii Challenge. The Mountaineers faced the University of Hawai'i at Hilo in their final match of the tournament, battling throughout the afternoon before ultimately falling in straight sets.
Scores were 25-16, 25-20 and 25-18.
Western Colorado opened the match strong in the first set, holding the lead through the early stages and setting the tone. Hawai'i Hilo responded with a run midway through the frame, taking control and ultimately claiming the opening set, 25-16.

The Mountaineers came out with renewed energy in the second set, battling back early and showing plenty of resilience. Western stayed within striking distance throughout the frame but ultimately fell short in a closely contested set, 25-20.

Sierra Long led the Mountaineers offensively, recording eight kills on the night. Maggie Legg followed closely behind with six kills, while Page Oothoudt added five kills.

The third set featured another strong push from Western, as the Mountaineers put together a run in the middle of the frame to take the lead. Hawai'i Hilo responded late, regaining control and securing the set to close out the match and bring the Hawaii Challenge to an end.

Anuhea Ka'alele paced the Western offense with 13 assists, while Olivia Moore added 12 assists. On the defensive end, Galatia Andrew led the Mountaineers with 12 digs and also contributed three assists. Moore added seven digs, while Breanna Nohavo made her presence felt at the net with a team-high five blocks.

Previous action

Western played its third match of the Hawaii Challenge last Friday, taking on Hawaii Pacific University. The Mountaineers battled throughout the four-set matchup but ultimately fell to the Sharks, 3-1.

The Mountaineers came out swinging in their matchup against Hawaii Pacific, jumping out to a commanding start in the opening set. Western controlled the first frame from start to finish, cruising to a 25-13 victory and taking an early 1-0 lead in the match.

Hawaii Pacific responded in the second set, finding its rhythm and shifting the momentum in its favor. The Sharks pulled away from the Mountaineers to take the second set, 25-14, evening the match at 1-1.

Andrea Torres led the way offensively for Western, recording a team-high 13 kills. Emily Robins also reached double figures with 11 kills, while Sierra Long added seven kills to the Mountaineers' offensive attack.

Western battled throughout the third set, keeping the score close against Hawaii Pacific. However, the Sharks were able to pull away late and take the frame, 25-19, putting the Mountaineers in a 2-1-hole heading into the fourth set.

The fourth set was a battle from start to finish, with both teams trading runs and neither side able to gain a decisive advantage. Western fought to extend the match, but Hawaii Pacific ultimately came away with three consecutive points in extra points to secure the 28-26 victory and close out the match, 3-1.

Defensively, Galatia Andrew anchored the Mountaineers' back line with an impressive 21 digs, while Makaelah Paulino added 14 digs in the effort. At the net, Kyra Kidd was a force in the middle, finishing the match with a team-high seven blocks.

Up next

Western returns to action on Friday, September 11, when the Mountaineers travel to South Dakota Mines for their next matchup. First serve is set for 6 p.m.