The fourth-ranked University of Hawaii men's volleyball team achieved a convincing victory against the reigning Conference Carolinas champion, Belmont Abbey, on Thursday at the Wheeler Center. The match concluded with a score of 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-23).
With this success, the Rainbow Warriors (10-1) returned to their winning ways after their first loss of the season two weeks ago against Stanford. The coaching staff utilized 11 players in the match and experimented with various lineups in the last two sets.
Hawaii demonstrated excellent efficiency, recording a 46.3% hitting percentage, adding 5 aces and 9 blocks. Louis Sakanoko distinguished himself with 14 points, achieving a personal best 57.9% hitting percentage and adding three blocks.
Kainoa Wade came off the bench and contributed 6 points, 2 aces, and 3 digs. His first two career aces came consecutively at the end of the second set, extending the 'Bows' lead to 23-14.
In the first set, Sakanoko scored consecutive points, initiating a 6-1 run for Hawaii. He and Titriyski each scored 5 points, with the team achieving a 55.6% hitting percentage in the set with a total of 18 points. Kurt Nusterer also contributed 6 points and 3 blocks.
Although Hawaii easily won the first two sets, Belmont Abbey put up a fight in the third. They took a 17-15 lead after a three-point run, including consecutive points from Puentes. However, the Rainbow Warriors regained the lead at 20-18 after points from Sakanoko and Todd. Abbey tied at 22, but consecutive points from Sakanoko secured match point for Hawaii, and a point from Nusterer ended the match.
Kristiyan Titriyski received less playing time, given the team's busy schedule, and scored 6 points (2 blocks) with a 55.6% hitting efficiency. The Levski youth academy product also recorded two assists.
The Rainbow Warriors' next match is against Queens on Friday at 7:00 PM ET, which is the first of two matches against the Royals.