Balanay Headlines HPU All-Conference Selections
Phoenix (11/19/09) – Kelly Balanay was selected to the All-PacWest Women’s Volleyball First-Team for the third consecutive season. The announcement was made today by the PacWest Media Office. Also earning conference honors for the Sea Warriors were Mariana Souza (Second-Team), Julia Gruszecka (Honorable Mention), and Kyra Pelayo (Honorable Mention).
Balanay, a junior middle hitter from San Diego, ranked second in kill percentage with a .306 average. She registered 289 kills and ranked eight in kills per game. Balanay also added 70 block assists, 21 block solos, and 14 aces.
Souza (Riberirao Preto, Brazil) took home Second-Team honors in her first season with HPU. The junior outside hitter posted a season total of 204 kills and 107 digs.
Gruszecka (Lodz, Poland) was selected as an Honorable Mention for the second straight season. The senior outside hitter recorded 237 kills and posted 156 digs. Pelayo (San Jose, CA) earned major time this year as a sophomore . Playing primarily as a libero, she finished fifth in the conference in digs per game (3.56) with a season dig total of 352.
The nine head coaches of the conference selected the squad which features 21 players evenly distributed over three teams – First, Second, and Honorable Mention.
HPU had its best season under Coach Daryl Kapis. They finished 14-11 overall and 11-5 in the PacWest, good for a third place finish.
HPU Volleyball Dominates On Senior Night
Honolulu (11/14/09) – On senior night at Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Chaminade, 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-23). HPU closes the season at 14-11 overall and 11-5 in the PacWest, while Chaminade finishes at 5-21 overall and 1-12 in conference.
Julia Gruszecka led the way in her final performance for HPU. She posted a match high 13 kills to go along with seven digs and three service aces. Kelly Balanay added eight kills and Kyra Pelayo recorded a match-high 17 digs.
Whitney Vivieros and Courtney Larusso each recorded nine kills to lead the Swords.
HPU never trailed in the match, and was only challenged in game three. The Sea Warriors led 23-20, but a Vivieros kill followed by a Gruszecka error brought CUH to within one point. Sanoe Recca then recorded two of her four kills to win the game and match for HPU.
The Sea Warriors end the season with their best conference record under Coach Daryl Kapis, and finish third in the PacWest. Following the match, HPU honored departing seniors Julia Gruszecka, Kelly Keating, Shawntell Jones, Aimee Tressiera, and Hikaru Kozuma.
HPU Volleyball Sweeps Lady Seasiders
Laie, HI (11/12/09) – At the Canon Activities Center on the BYU-Hawai‘i campus, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated the Lady Seasiders, 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-20). HPU improves to 13-11 overall and 10-5 in the PacWest, and BYUH falls to 13-14 overall and 9-7 in conference.
Kelly Balanay posted a match-high 13 kills for HPU, with Julia Gruszecka adding 12 kills of her own. Losaline Faka‘osi led BYUH with 11 kills.
The Sea Warriors broke away midway through each game to earn the sweep. In game one, a Gruszecka kill broke a 17-17 tie and started an 8-2 run to give HPU a 1-0 lead. Game two was much closer, but a pair of kills by Kelly Balanay and Sanoe Recca (2 K) gave HPU the win.
Mariana Souza recorded six kills and Tricia Yoshimura added 10 digs. Nobuko Kotoyori posted a match-high 22 digs for BYUH.
The Sea Warriors will play their season finale this Saturday, November 14. Following the match, HPU will honor seniors Julia Gruszecka, Hikaru Kozuma, Kelly Keating, Aimee Tresierra, and Shawntell Jones for their contributions to HPU volleyball. The match is set to start at 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory, and will be broadcasted live on KWHE-TV 14 and AM 1500 radio.
HPU Volleyball Falls To UH-Hilo In Four Games
Hilo, HI (11/7/09) – At UHH Gymnasium, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to UH-Hilo in four games (23-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-19). The Lady Sea Warriors drop to 12-11 overall and 9-5 in the PacWest. UHH improves to 25-1 overall and 15-1 in conference.
Kyra Pelayo led HPU with 12 digs and Mariana Souza, Kelly Balanay, and Julia Gruszecka each posted a team-high eight kills. Josimara Pinheiro paced UH-Hilo with 15 kills and 20 digs.
HPU distanced themselves late in game one. They broke a 17-17 tie with three straight points and held on for the win. After dropping game two, the Sea Warriors responded by taking a solid 15-11 lead in game three. But UHH would go on a 9-2 run to take the lead and held on for the win.
In game four, UH-Hilo grabbed an early lead they would not relinquish. Natasha Bell recorded six kills and six digs for HPU, and Tricia Yoshimura added seven digs.
HPU next takes on BYU-Hawai‘i this Thursday, November 12. Start time at Canon Activities Center is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on AM 1500 radio.
HPU Volleyball Overwhelms Dixie State College
Honolulu (10/24/09) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team swept Dixie State College, 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-20). The Sea Warriors improve to 12-10 overall and 9-4 in the PacWest, while Dixie State falls to 13-7 overall and 7-4 in conference.
For the Sea Warriors, Kyra Pelayo posted 23 digs and Kelly Balanay recorded 17 kills, both match-highs. Katie Luna’s nine kills and 12 digs paced the Lady Red Storm.
With the win, HPU moves into a tie for second place in the PacWest.
Each game featured a tight contest with HPU pulling away to grab the win. In game three, the Sea Warriors trailed 18-17 before kills by Natasha Bell, Julia Gruszecka, and Mariana Souza gave HPU the match.
Souza added eight kills for HPU.
HPU next takes the court Thursday, October 29, for its annual Alumnae match this. Start time is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
Sea Warriors Win Five-Game Thriller
Honolulu (10/21/09) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Dixie State College, 3-2 (23-25, 25-17, 25-23, 18-25, 16-14). HPU improves to 11-10 overall and 8-4 in the PacWest, while Dixie State falls to 13-6 overall and 7-3 in conference.
Kyra Pelayo posted 45 digs, just eight shy of the HPU all-time record. Mariana Souza recorded 13 kills and 15 digs, and Kelly Balanay added a match-high 18 kills.
Katie Luna paced the Red Storm with 16 kills, and shared team-high honors with Kayley Poglajen with 24 digs.
Dixie State struck first with its game one win, but HPU responded by taking games two and three. The Red Storm responded with a convincing game four win, and grabbed a 14-10 lead in game five. The Sea Warriors rallied, staving off four consecutive match points to win 16-14, and take the match in five games.
Julia Gruszecka added 15 kills, and Kelly Keating recorded 16 digs.
HPU next takes the court this Saturday, October 24 to again play Dixie State. First serve at St. Andrew’s Priory is set for 5:00 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on AM 1500 radio.
Sea Warriors Upended By Grand Canyon
Honolulu (10/17/09) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to Grand Canyon University, 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-21). The Sea Warriors drop to 10-10 overall and 7-4 in the PacWest. GCU improves to 14-8 overall and 4-6 in conference.
Kelly Balanay led HPU with 10 kills, and Natasha Bell recorded a team-high 12 digs. Dana Edington added a match-high 11 digs for GCU.
The Sea Warriors trailed throughout, as Grand Canyon grabbed early leads in all three games. HPU staved off five match points in game three, but a Whitney Estes (5 K) kill sealed the game and match for GCU.
Shawntell Jones posted eight kills for HPU, and Kyra Pelayo added 10 digs.
The Sea Warriors retake the court this Wednesday, October 21, against Dixie State College. Start time at Saint Andrew’s Priory is set for 7:00 p.m.
Sea Warriors Edge Dominican University
Honolulu (10/16/09) – In a Pacific West Conference match, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Dominican University, 3-2 (22-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 15-11). HPU improves to 10-9 overall and 7-3 in the PacWest, with the Lady Penguins falling to 4-18 overall and 0-9 in conference.
Trailing by two games, HPU overcame a 23-22 deficit in game three to push the match to a fourth set. In game four, they raced out to a 14-4 lead to help even the match, and put away Dominican in the deciding fifth game.
Kelly Balanay led HPU with 18 kills, and Kyra Pelayo added 23 digs. Kelly Keating posted a match-high 52 assists.
Dominican’s Gabby Pecora had a match-high 20 kills and Lashelle Rullan added 27 digs, also a match-high.
Sanoe Recca (11 K) and Mariana Souza (10 K) also delivered solid performances for HPU.
The Sea Warriors next take on Grand Canyon tomorrow, October 17. Start time at Saint Andrew’s Priory is set for 5:00 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on AM 1500 radio.
Sea Warriors Dominate Grand Canyon
Honolulu (10/14/09) – On the campus of Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Grand Canyon University, 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-20). The Sea Warriors improve to 9-9 overall and 6-3 in the PacWest. The Lady Antelopes fall to 12-8 overall and 2-6 in conference.
Kelly Keating recorded a season-high 46 assists, and Kelly Balanay posted 18 kills. Both were match-highs. Megan Toth had 11 kills to lead Grand Canyon.
HPU took command of the match in game one. They pulled away midway through and took the 1-0 lead on two Natasha Bell kills. Bell posted five kills and six digs.
HPU was tested in games two and three, but pulled away late to complete the sweep.
Julia Gruszecka (11 K) and Mariana Souza (10 K) also paced the Sea Warriors.
HPU returns to action this Friday, October 16 against Dominican University. Start time is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory, and will be broadcasted live on KWHE-TV 14 with the simulcast on AM 1500 radio.
Sea Warriors Fall To Vulcans
Honolulu (10/10/09) – At Castle Gymnasium on the campus of Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo, 3-1 (25-22, 25-20, 23-25, 25-16). The Sea Warriors fall to 8-9 overall and 5-3 in the PacWest, while UH-Hilo improves to 17-1 and 7-1 in conference.
Kelly Balanay posted match-highs in kills (14) and blocks (6) in the losing effort. Josimara Pinheiro paced UHH with 12 kills and 14 digs.
HPU trailed 2-0 but rallied in game three to push the match to a fourth game. Trailing 22-20 in game three, the Sea Warriors ran off five of the next six points, three by way of Balanay kills, to win 25-23.
Julia Gruszecka added 13 kills and four blocks for HPU, and Kyra Pelayo posted a match-high 20 digs.
HPU continues its home stand this Wednesday, October 14, as they face off with Grand Canyon. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on KWHE-TV 14 with the simulcast on AM 1500 radio.
HPU Volleyball Falls To Academy of Art, 3-2
San Francisco (10/5/09) – At Kezar Pavilion, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to Academy of Art University, 3-2 (19-25, 25-13, 25-18, 23-25, 15-5). The Sea Warriors drop to 8-8 overall and 5-2 in the PacWest, while AAU improves to 15-5 overall and 5-3 in conference.
Natasha Bell led HPU with nine kills and 14 digs. Kyra Pelayo posted a team-high 16 digs.
Dan Yang paced AAU with 21 kills and 16 digs.
After taking game one, the Sea Warriors quickly found themselves trailing 2-1 as they dropped games two and three by considerable margins. HPU evened the match with a game four win, rallying from six points down to win by two. The Sea Warriors won nine of the game’s last 10 points to push the match to the deciding game five.
The Urban Knights notched the first five points of game five, and won going away to take the match.
Kelly Balanay posted eight kills and Tricia Yoshimura added 12 digs for HPU.
The Sea Warriors return home and next face UH-Hilo this Saturday, October 10. Start time with the Vulcans is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory, and will be broadcasted live on AM 1500 radio and KWHE-TV 14.
Sea Warriors Defeat Dominican University
San Rafael, CA (10/3/09) – At the Conlan Center on the campus of Dominican University, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Dominican University, 3-0 (25-16, 25-13, 25-21). HPU improves to 8-7 overall and 5-1 in the PacWest, while the Lady Penguins drop to 3-14 and 0-6 in conference.
Mariana Souza and Kelly Balanay each had 11 kills to lead HPU. Julia Gruszecka posted seven kills and 13 digs, and Kyra Pelayo had a match-high 18 digs.
Gabby Pecora recorded a match-high 13 kills for Dominican.
Game one saw the Sea Warriors run off seven straight points to propel them to the nine-point win. In game two, HPU separated itself early from DU. The Sea Warriors scored six unanswered points early in the game to take a 10-4 lead, and won going away.
Game three featured a much tighter contest. A Pecora kill gave Dominican a late 20-19 lead, but HPU rallied to take six of the next seven points to close the match.
Natasha Bell added seven kills and nine digs for HPU.
HPU closes its road trip on Monday, October 5 against Academy of Art University. First serve with the Urban Nights is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Sea Warriors Drop First PacWest Loss
Belmont, CA (10/2/09) – At Walter Gleason Gym, the HPU women’s volleyball team was defeated by Notre Dame de Namur, 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-20). HPU suffered its first PacWest defeat, falling to 4-1 in conference and 7-7 overall. The Lady Argos dropped to 4-2 in the PacWest and 6-13 overall.
Julia Gruszecka and Natasha Bell tied NDNU’s Breanna Morales with a match-high 11 kills. Kyra Pelayo posted a match-high 17 digs with Bell adding 10 digs of her own.
HPU held leads in all three games. In game one, HPU saw an early seven-point advantage disappear as NDNU grabbed a 1-0 lead. In game two, HPU saw another early lead evaporate but battled back to trail just 23-22. Two Ashley Fox (8 K) kills later, NDNU held a commanding 2-0 lead.
HPU’s Madison Hardy posted 24 assists for HPU. Shawntell Jones added eight kills and two blocks.
The Sea Warriors retake the court tomorrow, October 3, against Dominican University. Match time is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
HPU Volleyball Sweeps Academy of Art
San Francisco (9/30/09) – At Kezar Pavilion on the Academy of Art University campus, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated the Urban Knights, 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 27-25). HPU improves to 7-6 overall and 4-0 in the PacWest, while AAU drops to 13-5 overall and 2-3 in conference.
Tricia Yoshimura and Natasha Bell led HPU with 13 digs each, and Mariana Souza added a team-high 11 kills. Dan Yang posted a match-high 14 kills for AAU, and Jelena Jakovljevic recorded 14 digs, also a match-high.
Despite the three-game sweep, the Sea Warriors were tested in each set. After narrowly winning games one and two, HPU trailed late in game three before taking the match. The Sea Warriors held a three-point lead late in the game, but saw AAU run off five straight points to trail 23-22. After HPU staved off an AAU match point, Souza recorded her final kill to give HPU the game and match victory.
Bell and Julia Gruszecka added nine kills each for HPU, with Madison Hardy posting a team-high 22 assists.
HPU next takes on Notre Dame de Namur on Friday, October 2. Start time is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time in Belmont, CA.
Sea Warriors Top Argonauts in Five Games
Belmont, CA (9/29/09) – At the Walter Gleason Gymnasium, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Notre Dame de Namur 3-2 (13-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-12). HPU improves to 6-6 overall and a perfect 3-0 in the PacWest. NDNU falls to 4-13 and 2-2 in conference.
The Sea Warriors delivered an overall team effort. Three players posted double figures in kills led by Julia Gruszecka (12 K), and five others recorded double figured in digs. Kyra Pelayo posted a team-high 18 digs.
Caitlin Torres (18 K) and Sharol Mae Kahawaii (23 digs) paced the Argos.
HPU remains one of three teams undefeated and atop the PacWest standings. Each of its conference wins have gone to five games, with HPU trailing in all of them.
Sanoe Recca and Shawntell Jones posted 11 and 10 kills, respectively. Madison Hardy added 38 assists.
The Sea Warriors next take on Academy of Art University tomorrow, September 30. Start time in San Francisco is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
HPU Tops BYUH in Five Games
Honolulu, HI (9/26/09) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated BYU-Hawai‘i in five games (16-25, 25-18, 15-25, 25-21, 18-16). HPU improves to 5-6 overall and a perfect 2-0 in the PacWest. BYUH falls to 4-8 and 1-2 in conference.
Natasha Bell and Mariana Souza paced HPU. Bell posted 18 kills for a .444 kill percentage, and Souza added 11 kills and 12 digs.
Ane Vea recorded a match-high 23 kills for BYUH, with Losaline Faka‘osi adding nine kills and 19 digs. HPU trailed 2-1 heading to game four.
Needing a win, HPU won five of the last seven points to even the match at 2-2. BYUH led most of game five, but HPU rallied to tie the score at 13-13 on a Tricia Yoshimura service ace. The two teams exchanged points until two straight Kelly Balanay kills gave HPU the win.
Yoshimura recorded a match-high 23 digs and Shawntell Jones added eight kills and two blocks. Julia Gruszecka posted seven kills, six digs, and four blocks.
HPU next travels to the mainland to play five PacWest games in seven days. First up is Notre Dame de Namur on Tuesday, September 29. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Sea Warriors Top Chaminade In Five Games
Honolulu, HI (9/23/09) – At McCabe Gym on the campus of Chaminade University, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Chaminade, 3-2 (25-16, 20-25, 28-30, 25-18, 15-10). HPU improves to 1-0 in the PacWest and 4-6 overall, while CUH falls to 0-2 in conference and 1-10 overall.
Kelly Balanay posted a season-high 23 kills and a match-high .447 kill percentage. Kyra Pelayo recorded a match-high 27 digs and Mariana Souza added 10 kills and 12 digs.
The Sea Warriors cruised through game one, but dropped games two and three to fall behind 2-1. After a convincing 25-18 win in game four, HPU rode the momentum for the game five win.
Courtney Lorusso paced Chaminade with 18 kills. Balanay added a match-high six blocks, and Tricia Yoshimura posted 15 digs for HPU.
The Sea Warriors return to action Saturday, September 26, versus BYU-Hawai‘i. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
HPU Volleyball Falls To Alaska-Anchorage
Honolulu (9/12/09) – On the final day of the Equus Challenge, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to the University of Alaska-Anchorage, 3-1 (26-24, 24-26, 27-25, 25-18). The Sea Warriors fall to 3-6 while Alaska-Anchorage improves to 6-3.
Mariana Souza led the Sea Warriors with 16 kills, and Kelly Balanay added 12 kills and six blocks. Souza also recorded 12 digs. Jackie Matthisen posted 16 kills to lead the Seawolves.
Games one and two were won by 26-24 scores, as both teams headed to game three tied 1-1. Trailing 20-15, HPU rallied to tie the score at 22-22 but could not pull off the win.
Madison Hardy recorded 44 assists for HPU, and Tricia Yoshimura added nineteen digs. Sanoe Recca contributed seven kills, eight digs, and four blocks.
HPU next takes on Chaminade on Wednesday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. The match is the conference opener for HPU, and will be held at McCabe Gym on the Chaminade campus. The match will also be broadcasted live on AM 1500 radio.
Sea Warriors Topped By Nanooks
Honolulu (9/11/09) – In the opening match of the Equus Challenge, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-14). HPU falls to 3-5 while the Lady Nanooks improve to 5-4. The match was played at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
UAF’s Jessica Hill and Megan Thigpen shared match-high honors in kills with HPU’s Julia Gruszecka. Each player posted nine kills on the night.
Tricia Yoshimura added 19 digs for HPU.
After dropping the first game, HPU nearly evened the match in game two. The Sea Warriors led 22-20, but kills by Thigpen and Erica Gage (4 kills) evened the game at 22-22. With the score tied at 23-23, Hill and Cage closed the game with consecutive kills to give UAF the 2-0 lead.
Madison Hardy posted a team-high 16 assists for HPU.
Kelly Balanay and Sanoe Recca each posted five kills, with Balanay adding four blocks.
The Sea Warriors play their second and final match of the Equus Challenge tomorrow, September 12. Start time of their match with the University of Alaska Anchorage is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory. The match will be televised live on KWHE-TV 14 with the simulcast on AM 1500 radio.
HPU Women’s Volleyball Topped By Humboldt State
San Francisco (9/5/09) – In its final match of the California Clash, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to Humboldt State, 3-2 (23-25, 13-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-10). HPU falls to 3-4 while the Lady Jacks even their record at 4-4. The match was HPU’s third five-setter in as many matches.
Mariana Souza again led HPU with 20 kills for a match-high .341 kill percentage. Tricia Yoshimura recorded a team-high 17 digs.
Oceana Matsubo (HSU) posted a match-high 22 kills.
The Sea Warriors were unable to hold on to a commanding 2-0 lead. After a 12-point win in game two, HPU was prime for the sweep but saw HSU come back to even the match, and take game five to steal the win.
Madison Hardy added a match-high 47 assists for HPU to go along with eight digs. Julia Gruszecka recorded seven kills and 11 digs, Kelly Balanay posted 12 digs, and Sanoe Recca added eight kills, 12 digs, and four blocks.
The Sea Warriors return home and next play in their own Equus Challenge. They open with Alaska-Fairbanks on Friday, September 11. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
HPU Volleyball Edges Cal State East Bay
San Francisco (9/5/09) – At the California Clash, the HPU women’s volleyball team topped Cal State East Bay, 3-2 (25-22, 25-17, 22-25, 24-26, 15-11). The five-setter was the second in as many days for the Sea Warriors, as they even their record at 3-3. CSUEB falls to 2-5.
Kelly Balanay led HPU with 16 kills and added five blocks. Tricia Yoshimura posted a season-high 26 digs.
After a narrow game one win, the Sea Warriors used an 11-1 run in game two to take a commanding 2-0 lead. The Pioneers responded with two wins to tie the match at 2-2, but HPU closed the match with the game five win.
Katie Gellerman led CSUEB with 10 digs. HPU’s Mariana Souza and Julia Gruszecka added 14 and 11 kills, respectively, and Shawntell Jones recorded eight kills and five blocks.
HPU closes the tournament this afternoon against Humboldt State. First serve with the Lady Jacks is set for 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
Sea Warriors Drop Five-Setter To Cal State Monterey Bay
San Francisco (9/4/09) – At the California Clash hosted by San Francisco State University, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to Cal State Monterey Bay, 3-2 (25-19, 25-21, 22-25, 20-25, 15-10). HPU falls to 2-3 while the Lady Otters improve to 2-2.
Julia Gruszecka led HPU with 18 kills, and Sanoe Recca recorded a team-high 12 digs.
HPU lost despite erasing a 2-0 deficit. Facing a three-game sweep, the Sea Warriors rallied with a late 8-2 run in game three to take the 25-22 win. In game four, HPU used another late run to take the win, but could not sustain the momentum as they fell in the fifth and deciding game.
For the Otters, Rheann Fall posted match-highs in kills (24) and digs (19).
Mariana Souza added 14 kills for HPU, with Tricia Yoshimura posting 11 digs.
HPU has two matches tomorrow, September 5, on the final day of the tournament. They open with Cal State East Bay at 9:00 a.m., followed by a 4:30 p.m. match with Humboldt State. Both start times are Pacific Standard Time.
Sea Warriors Fall To San Francisco State
San Francisco (9/3/09) – In the opening match of the California Clash, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to host San Francisco State, 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 28-26, 25-16). HPU falls to 2-2 while the Lady Gators improve to 4-1.
Julia Gruszecka led HPU with 15 kills, and setter Madison Hardy posted seven kills for a .545 kill percentage. She also added 20 assists.
The Gators were led by Beth Perkins (16 kills), Lauren Walsh (13 kills), and Halimah Oswald (10 kills).
HPU’s Tricia Yoshimura posted a match-high 21 digs.
After tying the match with a game two win, the Sea Warriors nearly took game four despite trailing most of the way. Behind 23-20, HPU rallied to tie the score at 26-26 on a Gruszecka kill, but two straight SFSU points sealed the win.
Kelly Balanay and Victoria Green added seven kills, with Natasha Bell posting eight digs.
HPU plays again tomorrow against Cal State-Monterey Bay. Match time is set for 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
HPU Volleyball Tops Adelphi
Honolulu, HI (8/29/09) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU women’s volleyball team defeated Adelphi University, 3-1 (25-14, 21-25, 25-15, 27-25). The Sea Warriors improve to 2-1 while the Lady Panthers fall to 2-2. The match was HPU’s last of the Aqua Hotels Hawai‘i Invitational.
Kelly Balanay posted a game-high 16 kills, and Julia Gruszecka added 12 kills of her own. Gruszecka also recorded 12 digs.
Kelsey Hackett led Adelphi with 11 kills.
The Sea Warriors delivered several timely hits to win game four and take the match. Mariana Souza posted two of her seven kills in the late stages of the game, her second tying the score at 24-24. Balanay closed the game and match with a kill, assisted by Kelly Keating (26 assists, 10 digs).
Tricia Yoshimura added 18 digs.
The Sea Warriors now travel to San Francisco to play in the California Clash Tournament. HPU first takes on host San Francisco State on Thursday, September 3. Start time is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
HPU Volleyball Sweeps Cal-State East Bay
Honolulu, HI (8/28/09) – On the second day of the Aqua Hotels Hawai‘i Invitational, the HPU women’s volleyball team swept Cal-State East Bay, 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-13). The Sea Warriors improve to 1-1 while the Lady Pioneers fall to 0-2.
The match was played on the campus of Saint Andrew’s Priory.
Kelly Balanay posted a game-high eight kills and nine blocks for HPU. Victoria Green and Julia Gruszecka each added six kills, and Sanoe Recca posted five kills and 10 digs.
HPU’s Tricia Yoshimura and CSUEB’s Lauren Massa each posted a game-high 13 digs.
Despite the three-game sweep, HPU erased a 21-16 deficit to win game two. A 9-1 late run sealed the 25-22 win.
Cara Crowder led the Lady Pioneers with seven kills.
HPU plays its final match of the tournament tomorrow, August 29, against Adelphi University. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
Honolulu, HI (8/27/09) – At the Aqua Hotels Hawai‘i Invitational, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell 3-2 (15-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-21, 15-11) to Montana State-Billings. The match was the season opener for the Sea Warriors who fall to 0-1.
Kelly Balanay posted 15 kills to lead HPU. Sanoe Recca, in her first appearance as a Sea Warrior, recorded 11 kills and 10 digs, and Julia Gruszecka added 10 kills and eight digs.
Devon Crotteau recorded a match-high 23 kills for MSUB.
Whitney Micklesen posted a match-high 19 digs for the Yellowjackets, and Tricia Yoshimura led HPU in that category with 15 digs.
Victoria Green, also playing her first game for HPU, posted a match-high six blocks.
The Sea Warriors return to action tomorrow, August 29, against Cal State East Bay. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
Queen Creek, AZ (8/20/09) – Kelly Balanay was selected to the PacWest Preseason All-Conference Women’s Volleyball Team. The team was voted on by the PacWest coaches and sports information directors.
The announcement came during the PacWest Women’s Volleyball Media Day hosted by Academy of Art University in San Francisco. The event was broadcasted online to a worldwide audience at Redzonemedia.com.
The Pacific West Conference unveiled its predicted order of finish and 2009 Preseason All-Conference Team during the live press conference. The Lady Sea Warriors were predicted to finish fourth.
Balanay, a junior from San Diego, last year recorded 257 kills for the Sea Warriors while contributing 98 blocks and 316 points. She also boasted a .313 hitting percentage. Balanay enters the season as a two-time All-PacWest First-Team selection after earning the honors in 2007 and 2008.
HPU Head Coach Daryl Kapis gave his season outlook. “There’s really an excitement in the air at our practices. The coaches and I are pleased how the team is coming along so far. We hope to continue the momentum that we finished with last season.” Kapis also spoke about several of his players. “Our key returnees are Kelly Balanay, Tricia Yoshimura, and Julia Gruszecka who were each all-conference selections last year. Sanoe Recca, out of Kamehameha, will be one of our key newcomers.”
The Sea Warriors were 12-13 last season. They finished third in the PacWest, winning 10 of their final 13 matches.
HPU Volleyball Releases 2009 Schedule
2009 Schedule
Honolulu, HI (5/27/09) – The HPU women’s volleyball team released their 2009 schedule, announced today by the Hawai‘i Pacific University athletics office. The Sea Warriors will face nine non-conference regional opponents before beginning Pacific West Conference play.
HPU opens the season hosting the Aqua Hotel Invitational running from August 27-29. HPU’s tournament schedule features Montana State-Billings, Cal State-East Bay, and Adelphi University.
The Sea Warriors then travel to San Francisco for the California Clash hosted by San Francisco State University. HPU will play four matches beginning with the host Gators on Thursday, September 3, and ending with Humboldt State on Saturday, September 5.
HPU then returns home to host the inaugural Equus Challenge. They will play both the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and the University of Alaska-Anchorage on September 11 and 12, respectively.
“I’m really looking forward to playing an all Division II schedule,” said Head Coach Daryl Kapis. “It will be a great test for us.”
PacWest play begins Thursday, September 17, against defending conference champion BYU-Hawai‘i. The conference season includes matches against cross-town rival Chaminade, and PacWest newcomers Academy of Art and Dominican University.
“Our conference has some great programs, but I’m specifically looking forward to our matches with UH-Hilo,” adds Kapis. “Both of us have a lot of returnees and I anticipate some very competitive matches. We also had success last season against perennial powers Chaminade and BYU-Hawai‘i, so I am looking forward to those matches as well."
The Sea Warriors were 12-13 last season. They finished third in the PacWest, winning 10 of their final 13 games.
HPU Volleyball Signs Six
Honolulu, HI (5/1/09) – The HPU volleyball team signed six recruits for the 2009 season. Local star Tihani Kekauoha joins Victoria Green, Mariana Souza, and Madison Hardy as junior college transfers. Taylor Rico and Sanoe Recca join HPU as true freshman. The announcement was made today by Hawai‘i Pacific University.
Tihani Kekauoha (5’9, Jr.) graduated from Castle High School in Kaneohe and will be competing for time at the outside hitter position.
Mariana Souza (5’10, Jr.) will also vie for time as an outside hitter. The Brazilian native comes to HPU after two seasons at Laredo Community College (Laredo, TX) where she was a 2007 All-Region selection.
Victoria Green (5’11, Jr.) joins the Sea Warriors after two seasons at Cowley Community College (Arkansas City, KS). Last season she was an All-Conference selection and posted 3.23 kills per game.
Madison Hardy (5’7, So.) transferred from Iowa Western Community College (Council Bluffs, IA) and will be competing for time at setter. She averaged 9.74 assists last season and was named to the All-Region Team.
Taylor Rico and Sanoe Recca join HPU as true freshman. Rico (5’5) will be used primarily as a defensive specialist, and was a four-time All-League selection for Cle Elum Roslyn High School (Cle Elum, WA). She was selected as league MVP her sophomore year. Recca (5’9) lettered at Kamehameha School-Oahu and will compete for time as an outside hitter. She currently plays for the Pakela Volleyball Club in Honolulu.
The Sea Warriors were 12-13 last season. They finished third in the PacWest, winning 10 of their final 13 games.
HPU Volleyball Gives Back To The Community
On Sunday, April 19 at Kailua Beach Park, the HPU volleyball team joined the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i to lend a helping hand at the 8th Annual Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation Ocean Sports & Fitness Day.
150 kids attended the event, with ages ranging from 10-14 years. Each participant was able to choose either the surfing and body boarding clinic, ocean paddling and water safety clinic, or the volleyball clinic. The players and coaches taught the kids a variety of skills and finished with competitive games. Following the clinic, participants discussed with the players about college life, academics, and the rigors of playing collegiate volleyball.
“Volunteering for the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i was a great way for our team to give back and interact with the community,” commented senior Aimee Tresierra. “Getting to see how enthusiastic and excited the kids were to be learning volleyball was amazing. It was also very nice to see how many questions some of the kids had about going to college and how we chose HPU.”
The Sea Warriors recently finished their spring workouts. They will break for the summer as players prepare for the upcoming season beginning in August.
Sea Warriors and Wahine Battle in the Sand
(pictured: Tricia Yoshimura and Shawntell Jones)
On a picture perfect Saturday at Waikiki beach, the HPU volleyball team faced off with UH-Manoa in a twelve-team beach doubles tournament. Four teams in three pools fought it out with the top two in each pool moving into single elimination playoff.
Junior setter Kelly Keating and Sea Warrior volleyball alumnus Roberta Robert teamed up to pace HPU. They fought their way through two playoff elimination games against teams from UH-Manoa to reach the finals. Unfortunately, the HPU duo came up just short losing 21-18 against Aneli Cubiotineru and Amber Kauffman in what was the first intercollegiate beach tournament between Hawai‘i schools.
"I've seen huge improvements this spring in all of our players in their ability to play our type of volleyball," said HPU Head Coach Daryl Kapis. "I'm really excited that the team has taken to our philosophy that playing on the beach truly makes them better all around players."
The Sea Warriors have one more week of practices before they break for summer. The team will return with high hopes for the 2009 season with practices starting August 10th.
Spring Practices in full swing for HPU Volleyball
In late January the eleven returners to the Hawai‘i Pacific University volleyball program did their physical testing for the spring. The testing included strength tests of bench press and squats, t-test, and shuttle run for agility, vertical jump testing for power and explosion, and the “Beep Test”, which is to test their ability to consume oxygen. Each of the players were given a power ranking and are being challenged to be the top physical performer on the team, and the person who can move up as many spots as possible within the team by the end of April. Since then the team has been busy. For the first three weeks the team had a full lifting and conditioning regimen.
At HPU, this is not just your ordinary spring workout. Two days a week the team had beach conditioning, two days a week the team met for lifting, and Saturday’s were team hiking days. The team did three different hikes this year which included Koko Crater, Pill Box in Lanikai, and Manoa Falls. Being a former strength and conditioning coach back in California, Coach Kapis enjoys bringing different aspects of training to his team. “I always said, if I ever had a chance to coach in Hawai‘i, I would use everything around me to train our players.” commented Coach Kapis.
After the first three weeks of training were done, it was time to get to volleyball. The first step the HPU program did in the off-season was to hire Heidi Illustre-Boatright a former FIVB/AVP beach player and UH-Manoa player to train the team on the beach. “After doing a combination of beach and indoor practices the last couple of years, I thought this would be the perfect time to hire someone who has true high-level beach volleyball experience. From what I have seen Coach Illustre-Boatright is doing some great things,” added Kapis.
The team has been working on the basics of learning how to move, pass, adjust to wind variables, how to approach and hit in the sand, and how to play the game of beach-doubles. Coach Kapis knows that all of these skills will only improve their ability to play the game of volleyball. Since the start of practices, the team has now integrated indoor practices as well, as they gear up for their spring scrimmages.
HPU will be playing the University of Hawai‘i, BYU-Hawai‘i, and the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo which will take place in late March and early April. “During spring season, our team as a whole has greatly improved using the skills learned on the beach as well as in the gym,” commented junior middle hitter Shawntell Jones. After the indoor scrimmages are done, the team will focus their last two weeks on beach training which will conclude with two inter-squad tournaments.
Trio of Sea Warriors Selected All-PacWest Volleyball
Queen Creek, AZ (11/25/08) – The HPU women's volleyball team received three selections to the 2008 Pacific West All-Conference Team, announced today by the conference office.
Sophomores Tricia Yoshimura and Kelly Balanay, along with junior Julia Gruszecka earned selections. Players were nominated by the conference coaches, with the top six vote-getters earning a spot on the First Team.
Yoshimura unanimously earned the coveted Libero of the Year award in her first stint with the Sea Warriors. She had an outstanding season, shattering the HPU single season mark with 515 total digs, including a league best 5.35 digs per game.
Yoshimura also earned PacWest Second-Team honors.
Balanay was selected to the First Team for the second time in as many seasons. She had a stellar sophomore campaign, leading the conference in kill percentage (.313) and racking up a kill total of 257. She was also a two-time PacWest Player of the Week selection.
Gruszecka was a fine addition to the Sea Warriors this season. In earning Honorable Mention honors, she averaged 2.37 kills per game and was fourth in the conference with 37 service aces.
HPU had a rousing finish to 2008. Winners of 10 of their final 13 games, they closed the season by handing BYU-Hawai'i their only conference loss and then swept Chaminade for the second time. They finished 8-6 in conference.
Talk about coming out of a desperate situation and smelling like roses.
That was the story of the 2008 Hawai‘i Pacific University women’s volleyball team. A rocky start took a drastic turn as HPU won 10 of their final 12 matches. The run included two sweeps over perennial PacWest power Chaminade, a two-game sweep over then second place Grand Canyon, and a solid victory over then-undefeated BYU-Hawai‘i.
A shift in attitude and the emergence of star power brought HPU from the dregs of the conference to the PacWest’s elite.
Sports Information Director John Barry had a chance to sit down with Head Coach Daryl Kapis to discuss the turnaround, the coaching methodology that made the difference, and his future plans for the program.
JB: Early season struggles are very difficult to overcome. How were you able to turn the season around?
DK: As a coaching staff, we continued to change the lineup in an effort to put the best players in the best positions on the floor. I could tell the players still believed we could win matches because the intensity and work ethic at practices was still there. It would have been so easy for the girls to give up, but they showed a lot of character during the darkest of times. The players and coaches knew that once we got a few wins, the ball would start rolling.
JB: What do you feel was the catalyst in turning the wins into losses?
DK: We had several players come to the forefront that really made a difference. Natasha Bell found her niche on the outside and Kelly Balanay took her game to another level that had been missing at times in the first half of the season. More importantly middle Hitter Shawntell Jones found her rhythm as another go-to hitter, and of course Tricia Yoshimura became even more dominant as the season wore on.
JB: How will this second half success transfer over to next season, and what are your plans for the offseason?
DK: Anytime you end the season with the success we had, the confidence transfers over. Because of this our spring practices will be better, players will work hard, and the team will come into next season with a sense of confidence. We are going to concentrate on weight training, conditioning, and play a lot of beach volleyball, in an attempt to be better and more complete volleyball players.
JB: What are your goals for the program at this point?
DK: Without a doubt our goal is to win a PacWest Title. With that we will get an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament and go from there. The way our conference is structured and the difficulty of getting to the mainland to play top regional teams, receiving an at-large bid is extremely hard. This makes winning the PacWest all the more important not just for us but for any of the conference schools. I am looking forward to next season because we can definitely make this goal a reality.
Sea Warriors Sweep Swords To Close Season
Honolulu, HI (11/8/08) – At Saint Andrew's Priory, HPU closed the season in style with a resounding 3-0 win. HPU dominated with wins of 25-16, 25-14, 25-16. The Sea Warriors close the season at 12-13 and a solid 8-6 in the PacWest.
Chaminade finish at 10-15 and 4-10.
It was their second sweep of the Swords this season. In a match that lasted just over 90 minutes, HPU completely outplayed Chaminade. Kelly Balanay led the way with 17 kills and a .536 attack percentage. Antje Buskies was in a zone, posting 11 kills in just 14 attempts in her final match as a Sea Warrior.
Trina Kauliakamoa led CUH with nine kills.
In each game, HPU grabbed early leads and built them into the ensuing dominant wins. They were firing on all cylinders as perfect digs led to perfect sets resulting in repeated kills.
Despite the losing overall record, HPU finished the season winning 10 of their final 13 games and holding a share of third place in the PacWest. Their win over BYU-Hawai'i two nights ago was the only blemish on the Seasiders otherwise perfect conference record.
Also having solid matches were Julia Gruszecka who had 10 kills. Tricia Yoshimura recorded 18 digs and Kelly Keating posted 41 assists.
HPU Sends Shockwave Through Pacific West
Honolulu, HI (11/6/08) – 12-0…make that 12-1. The HPU women’s volleyball team pulled off the biggest upset of the PacWest season, toppling previously undefeated BYU-Hawai‘i, 3-1 (17-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-21). HPU moves above .500 in the PacWest at 7-6 while the unblemished Seasiders fall to 12-1 (16-6) in conference.
The Sea Warriors (11-13) were lead by the sensational play of Tricia Yoshimura, their 5-2 libero from Hawai‘i Baptist Academy. She posted a season high 39 digs, several preventing all but sure BYUH points. Yoshimura’s play out shadowed quality BYUH defensive performances by Losaline Faka‘osi (25 digs) and Melanie Manutai (21 digs).
HPU were competitive in game one, but the 25-17 loss looked to be a sign of things to come in the match. The PacWest’s champions seemed to have control of the match.
The Sea Warriors responded in game two and let the packed Priory crowd know that they were about to see a battle. Tightly contested all the way, BYUH grabbed a late 20-18 lead on kills by Faka‘osi and Tanza Buroker (11 K). HPU crawled back and took a 25-24 lead on a Kelly Balanay kill and then won the game on one of Julia Gruszecka’s 11 kills.
Balanay had match highs in kills (22) and blocks (7).
Having set the tone that the Seasiders were in for a dogfight, HPU dominated in route to their 25-18 win in game three. HPU scored nine straight points in the early going to take a 9-3 lead. They held a consistent lead throughout the game and won on a Natasha Bell and Balanay block.
Bell posted eight kills on the evening.
Learning lessons from their weekend losses to UH-Hilo, the Sea Warriors played game four as if it were their last. The game was close throughout. A kill by LeeAnn Mapu gave BYUH a 19-16 lead but HPU responded to tie the game at 20-20 on a Yoshimura ace. With the score 24-21, BYUH served the ball which was dug by Yoshimura, set by Kelly Keating, and slammed home by Balanay. Sea Warriors win – 3-1.
Mapu had a solid night for BYUH, recording eight kills, 39 assists, and 11 digs. The Sea Warriors close the season Saturday, November 8 against Chaminade. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
Sea Warriors Unable to Hold off UH-Hilo
Hilo, HI (11/1/08) – In their final game against UH-Hilo this season, the HPU women’s volleyball team fell to the Vulcans 3-2 (12-25, 15-25, 25-14, 25-23, 15-8). HPU posted victories in games one and two, but saw the Vulcans turn the match around and hand HPU the loss. HPU fall to 10-13 overall and 6-6 in the PacWest, with UHH improving to 20-7 and 9-4.
HPU rolled en route to their two-game lead. UH-Hilo mustered just 27 points combined against HPU and certainly looked to lose to the Sea Warriors for the first time this season. HPU built an early 5-0 lead on kills by Antje Buskies (12 K) and Julia Gruszecka (8 K). With the score at 12-7, HPU took off on a 10-2 to seal the win.
Game two saw another dominating win by the Sea Warriors. Down 4-0, HPU won 10 of the next 12 points to grab a 10-6 lead. Kelly Balanay (14 K) capped the run with back-to-back kills. Natasha Bell iced the win with one of her 10 kills to go along with 10 digs.
That’s when the wheels of the well-oiled machine fell off. In game three, Shawntell Jones closed an early gap with one of her three kills to bring the score to 7-5. UHH then scored eight straight points before a Bell kill ended the run. The Vulcans still won going away, as Josimara Pinheiro posted the game-ending kill.
HPU’s best chance for the victory came in game four. Late in the game, HPU held a 20-16 lead, but five points and three Pinheiro kills later UHH held a one point lead. Gruszecka countered with a kill to even the score at 21-21, but down the stretch the Vulcans grabbed the timely points for the win. UHH had come all the way back, and carried that momentum into game five, too much for HPU to handle. UHH won game five 15-8.
Pinheiro posted a game-high 22 kills to along with 14 digs. Fabiane Seben posted 16 kills and Emily Tooker recorded 49 assists. Kelly Keating (22 A) and Tricia Yoshimura (21 D) helped lead HPU in the losing effort.
HPU return home to face BYU-Hawai‘i on Thursday, November 6. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
Sea Warriors Fall To UH-Hilo
Hilo, HI (10/31/08) – With the season winding down and the Lady Sea Warriors aiming for a strong finish, HPU fell to the Lady Vulcans 3-1 (21-25, 25-16, 25-23, 25-20). HPU end a three-match win streak and fall to 10-12 overall and 6-5 in the PacWest. UH-Hilo improve to 19-7 and 8-4. HPU struck first with a 25-21 game one win.
The Sea Warriors were stellar to open the match. Nine straight points aided by kills from Julia Gruszecka (11 K) and Antje Buskies (8 K) gave HPU a 9-2 advantage. The lead swelled to 19-10 and Kelly Balanay sealed the win with one of her nine kills. She would also post a match-high six blocks with Fabiane Seben. Seben added a match-high 19 kills to her stat line.
UHH responded with a solid nine-point win in game two. HPU were within striking distance late in the game, as Balanay and Kelly Keating (34 A) blocked a Seben attack to bring HPU to 18-14. But five straight points by the Vulcans led to the win.
Game three was a battle all the way. After leading early, HPU fell behind midway through but a Balanay kill brought HPU to within 17-14. The Sea Warriors came all the way back on a Buskies kill to tie the match at 22-22, but UHH edged HPU in the late going by the two-point margin. With the match at hand for UH-Hilo, the Vulcans cruised to the game four win.
Josimara Pinheiro and Mary Claire Bolo posted 13 and 15 kills, respectively, for UHH. Tricia Yoshimura recorded a match-high 21 digs for HPU.
HPU can put this result to bed, as they’ll have less than a 24 hours before they face off with the Vulcans again. Start time is set for tomorrow, November 1, at 5:00 p.m.
Resilient Sea Warriors Win Five-Game Thriller
Honolulu, HI (10/29/08) – At McCabe Gym in front of a state-wide television audience on OC-16, the HPU women’s volleyball team topped Academy of Art University, 3-2 (25-20, 13-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-13). HPU improved to 10-11 overall, while AAU fell to 16-8.
The Sea Warriors, winners of eight of their last nine matches, struck first with a game one win. With the game tied at 16-16, HPU ran off three straight points aided by a Julia Gruszecka (15 K) kill. The Urban Knights rallied to tie the match at 19-19, but HPU broke away for the five-point win.
Game two saw a complete turnaround as AAU evened the match at 1-1. They grabbed an early 8-1 advantage and cruised to the 12-point win.
HPU rallied and regained the lead after three games. Though slim at times, HPU lead nearly the entire game and looked prime to finish the match in game four. Three kills by Kelly Balanay (10 K) late in the game gave HPU the win.
Before HPU would show their muscle, AAU had a few tricks up their sleeve in game four. Down 15-5, the Urban Knights rallied to eventually tie the game at 20-20 on an Alexandra Leja (3 K) kill. Ridding the momentum that had carried them to that point, AAU snatched the comeback game four win 25-23. The stage was set for a fifth and deciding game.
Having just staved off defeat, AAU jumped out to an early 5-1 advantage on kills by Dan Yang (15 K, 15 D). Kills by Balanay and Antje Buskies (9 K) rallied HPU but they again found themselves trailing, this time at 11-5. Showing their newfound resolve and composure, HPU rallied to tie the game at 11-11. After Natasha Bell ripped her 13th kill of the match, Jelena Jakoljevic hit her attack into the net to give HPU the narrow win.
HPU return to PacWest action this weekend, as they travel to Hilo to play a pair of matches against UH-Hilo. First serve of Friday’s match (October 31) is set for 7:00 p.m.
HPU Shutdown Grand Canyon
Honolulu, HI (10/24/08) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU volleyball team topped Grand Canyon for the second time in as many meetings. In winning 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-21), HPU moves into a tie for second place in the PacWest with rival UH-Hilo. Grand Canyon fall to 6-5 and 13-12.
HPU, now at 9-11 overall and 6-4 in the Conference, have tasted victory in seven of their last eight matches and complete the season sweep of the ‘Lopes. Game one saw a very tight contest. With more than a one-point lead for either team a rarity, kills by Shawntell Jones (8 K, .636) and Natasha Bell (8 K, 5 D) gave HPU a 21-18 lead and control of the game. An attack error by Jenna Skadeland (4 K) sealed the 25-20 game one win.
The ‘Lopes seemed prime to even matters, as they took an early 7-1 lead in game two. HPU quickly erased the deficit, as a Kelly Balanay (6 K, 4 B) kill tied the game at 9-9. With the score at 17-16 in favor of HPU, the Sea Warriors pulled away. Four straight service aces by Stefania Aladjova closed the game and gave HPU a commanding 2-0 lead.
Learning from earlier transgressions, HPU treated game three as a must win. The Sea Warriors started strong with kills by Gruszecka and Balanay to grab a 10-5 lead. GCU battled back and took an 18-17 lead on consecutive Heather Baron kills. Baron led GCU with 11 kills. HPU decided that enough was enough and closed the game with an 8-2 run to cap the three-game sweep.
HPU next take on Academy of Art University on Wednesday, October 29 as part of a historic PacWest doubleheader. The Sea Warriors take on AAU at McCabe Gym on the Chaminade campus in their first ever meeting. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on OC-16 TV and KUMU AM 1500 radio.
Sea Warriors Win Marathon With Grand Canyon
Honolulu, HI (10/21/08) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU volleyball team withstood a fierce comeback by Grand Canyon to win 3-2 (25-22, 25-17, 18-25, 20-25, 15-13). The match was their second five-game win of the season and pushes their record to 8-11 overall and 5-4 in the PacWest. GCU fall to 13-10 and 6-3.
Grand Canyon entered the match a clear second in the PacWest standings only to see the upstart Sea Warriors take a dominating 2-0 lead. HPU recorded just one service error in those games, a stat that has been an Achilles heel throughout the season. HPU pulled out a tight win in the opening game. Five straight points gave them a 21-17 lead, and Antje Buskies (8 K) sealed the win with a service ace. The Sea Warriors were as dominant as ever in their game two win. Kills by Kelly Balanay and Natasha Bell (12 K) propelled HPU to a 20-6 lead. Balanay posted 21 kills and a match-high .462 attack percentage.
The two teams returned from the intermission having seemingly switched places. The Sea Warriors lost by seven in game three and by five in game four. The service errors went up and the attack percentage decreased, resulting in the ‘Lopes turning the tide and evening the match at 2-2.
HPU returned to the court for the fifth and decisive game aware of the dog fight ahead of them, but confident in grabbing the win. Midway through the game a kill by Dana Edington (14 K, 16 D) gave GCU an 8-6 lead. With HPU in need of a point, Kelly Keating (41 A, 13 D) set Shawntell Jones for one of her seven kills of the match. With the game tied at 13-13, Balanay came up with her one solo block of the evening, but one that put HPU in a position to win the match at 14-13. An attack error by GCU’s Megan Toth gave HPU the thrilling five-game win.
Katie Meyers posted a match-high 46 assists for the ‘Lopes and Shauna Nieman recorded 12 kills. Tricia Yoshimura led the match with 34 digs.
The Sea Warriors and Antelopes meet again this Friday, October 24. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
HPU's Win Streak Snapped at Five
Honolulu, HI (10/17/08) – At Saint Andrew's Priory, the HPU women's volleyball team fell to Dixie State College 3-1 (20-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-23). The loss ends HPU's five-game win streak, a run that included four road victories. HPU fall to 7-11 overall, 4-4 in the PacWest, while Dixie State improve to 8-10 and 4-4.
In game one, HPU picked up right where they had left off three days ago. The Sea Warriors opened up a solid 11-6 lead on the heels of three consecutive Julia Gruszecka (8 K, 10 D) aces. They maintained the lead and closed out the game with two Kelly Balanay (17 K, .344) kills.
Game two saw a tight contest. Shawntell Jones put home one of her 12 kills to give HPU a 16-15 lead. Jones had a monster performance, recording a .611 attack percentage for a match high. DSC would take six of the next seven points and grab game two to even the match. Game three also saw a tight battle, and after a service error by Jaycie Jeffress, HPU were within one point at 21-20. But four straight points by Dixie State gave them a 2-1 lead.
In game four, the Sea Warriors again saw DSC take over in the end. HPU would not hand them the victory though. Trailing 24-20, the Sea Warriors grabbed three straight points on thrilling rallies to stay in contention. DSC would come out on top as HPU ended the match on a service error.
Natasha Bell had a stellar performance for HPU in posting nine kills and 17 digs.
Jeffress posted a match-high 18 digs. HPU next take on Grand Canyon University. Start time is set for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21 at Saint Andrew's Priory.
Streaking Sea Warriors Top Dixie State
Honolulu, HI (10/14/08) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory HPU extended their win streak to five matches, downing Dixie State College 3-1 (25-19, 28-26, 16-25, 25-19). The Sea Warriors improve to 7-10 overall and 4-3 in the PacWest, jumping DSC for sole possession of fourth place. The Rebels fall to 7-10, 3-4 in conference.
A pumped and confident Sea Warriors took the court in game one, riding the momentum of a sweep over Chaminade days ago. HPU trailed just once in the game and broke a 7-7 score with an 8-1 run. A Natasha Bell (8 K) kill sealed the win for HPU.
Game two saw a much tighter affair. HPU took an early 5-1 lead on blocks by Kelly Balanay (15 K, 7 B) and Kelly Keating (38 A, 8 D, 5 B). The Rebels responded and took an 11-9 lead on the heels of kills by Katie Luna (10K, 10 D) and Alex Shearer (10 K). With the game deadlocked at 16-16, HPU took off on a 6-1 run for a seemingly comfortable 22-17 lead. DSC responded with a run of their own and twice served for the game. Stefania Aladjova rose to the occasion though for HPU, nailing two of her seven service aces for the win.
Dixie State broke through in game three with a solid 25-16 win. Luna and Cami Johnson (13 K) each recorded three kills in the game and HPU posted a -0.59 attack percentage to aid in the win. With the confidence and composure gained in a winning club, the Sea Warriors responded with a resounding 25-19 game four win. HPU built a 19-11 lead on consecutive kills by Balanay and never looked back.
The Sea Warriors and Rebels meet for the final time this season on Friday, October 17. HPU will look to extend their win streak to six matches as the two teams tango at Saint Andrew’s Priory. First serve is set for 7:00 a.m.
Sea Warriors Cruise By Chaminade
Honolulu, HI (10/10/08) – At McCabe Gym on the campus of Chaminade University, the Lady Sea Warrior volleyball team shutdown the Silverswords with a convincing 3-0 win (25-21, 25-21, 25-19). Chaminade fall to 9-10 overall and 4-5 in the PacWest, while the Sea Warriors improve to 6-10 and even their conference record at 3-3.
HPU have undoubtedly found their stride. With the impressive straight-game win, HPU run their win streak to four matches, the largest in Coach Kapis’s three-year tenure. Tricia Yoshimura shattered her previous match-high in digs in just three games, posting 37 on the night. Julia Gruszecka recorded a match-high 12 kills, followed by Natasha Bell with 13 kills and Antje Buskies with nine kills. Trina Kauliakamoa led CUH with 11 kills and 14 digs.
The Sea Warriors trailed in the early going of game one, but leveled the score at 10-10 on a Natasha Bell kill. Apart from a 1-0 deficit in game two, HPU never trailed the rest of the match. Samantha Miller kept game one close, posting one of her seven kills to bring the Swords to within 20-19. HPU called a timeout, regrouped, and closed out the game on the heels of kills by Buskies and Gruszecka.
Game two told a similar tale. Consecutive kills by Bell broke a 19-19 tie to give HPU a two-point lead. Chaminade again rallied, but Buskies, Bell, and Gruszecka responded one more time. Each posted a kill to give HPU a 25-21 win and a commanding 2-0 lead.
A confident Sea Warrior team proved to be too much for Chaminade in game three. HPU grabbed an early 9-4 lead and calmly held back every Sword rally. Holding a 20-18 lead, HPU pulled away on the heels of two Gruszecka kills, taking the game and match.
The Sea Warriors return to the hardwood this Tuesday, October 14, as they take on Dixie State College. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory.
Sea Warriors Erase 2-0 Deficit, Defeat Argos
Belmont, CA (10/4/08) – The HPU women’s volleyball team fell into a 2-0 hole to the Lady Argonauts, but rallied to win 3-2 for their third straight victory. HPU (5-10, 2-3) won 22-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-21, 15-9. Kelly Balanay was stellar for HPU at middle blocker, posting 19 assists and seven blocks.
In game one the Sea Warriors jumped out to an early 4-1 on a Balanay kill. NDNU (1-21, 0-3) responded with six straight points but on a ball handling error by Pamela Alano (22 assists) the game was tied at 13-13. Eight ties and 17 points later, Natasha Bell (9 K, 13 D) brought the Sea Warriors level at 22-22. Unfortunately that would be the final point of the game for HPU. Three straight points sealed the game one win for the Argos.
Game two also featured a competitive battle. After another Balanay kill, HPU trailed by just one point at 15-14. The Argos responded with six straight points to grab a 21-14 lead. The run was highlighted by two services aces from Christin Villamayor (15 K, 14 D). HPU would not go quietly and took off on an 8-1 run to tie the score at 22-22. Again NDNU sealed the win, closing the 25-23 win with a Caitlin Torres (11 K) kill.
On the brink of defeat, HPU coach Daryl Kapis rallied the troops as HPU began to climb out of their 2-0 hole. Despite the rally, HPU again trailed as NDNU took a 10-6 lead. The Sea Warriors responded and captured the win on four straight kills from Balanay. Game four again saw NDNU race out to an early lead. A Lauren Quach (11 K, 22 D) kill gave the Argos a 9-3 advantage. Again HPU rallied and tied the game at 11-11 on an 8-2 run. The Sea Warriors pulled out to a 21-15 lead aided by kills from Antje Buskies (13 K, 6 D) and Julia Gruszecka (11 K, 11 D), and captured the win.
Dealing with a full head of steam, the Argos were no match for HPU in the fifth and deciding game. HPU scored the game’s first seven points and never looked back.
HPU now return home to gear up for their second of three matches with Chaminade. HPU will look to avenge a five-game loss to the Silverswords earlier this season. Match time is set for 7:00 p.m. at McCabe Gym on the campus of Chaminade.
Sea Warriors Remain Perfect On Mainland Swing
Belmont, CA (10/3/08) – On the campus of Notre Dame de Namur, the HPU volleyball team turned back the Lady Argonauts in four games, 25-17, 25-17, 20-25, 25-21. HPU remain perfect on their mainland swing, improving to 4-10 overall and 1-3 in the PacWest. NDNU fall to 1-19 (0-5).
HPU cruised to victories in games one and two, racing out to early leads in both games. In game one, HPU built a 10-3 lead and maintained control to take the 1-0 lead. In game two, six straight points sparked by consecutive kills from Shawtell Jones gave HPU a 10-4 lead. After Ashley Fox (3 K, 3 B) closed the gap for NDNU to 20-15 on a kill assisted by Pamela Alano (19 assists), HPU took five of the next seven points to take a commanding 2-0 lead. An Antje Buskies kill capped the win. Buskies delivered a solid performance, recording 10 kills for a .273 attack percentage.
The Sea Warriors again had a lead in game three but saw a 10-2 Argo run tie the score at 17-17. The game seesawed until NDNU grabbed control. They won six of the game’s final seven points to ice the win.
Game four proved to be the most competitive of the match. The Sea Warriors trailed early, but consecutive kills by Natasha Bell helped bring the game level at 9-9. Bell posted seven kills and nine digs on the evening. Three points later, a Gruszecka kill gave HPU an 11-10 lead, one they would not relinquish. Kelly Balanay recorded the match-winning kill, her 11th of the match.
Gruszecka posted a match-high 13 kills, with defensive specialist Tricia Yoshimura recording 20 digs, also a match-high. Kelly Keating (HPU) posted 42 assists and Lauren Quach led NDNU with 11 kills. HPU and NDNU will face off again tomorrow, Saturday October 4. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Sea Warriors Top Cal State Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA (10/1/08) - In the first of three road matches, the HPU volleyball team topped Cal State Monterey Bay, 3-1. HPU (3-10) dropped the first game 25-21, but responded in the next three games, winning 25-20, 25-22, 25-12. The Otters fall to 4-12 overall.
Game one saw CSUMB grab a lead midway through and hold on for the win. After a Julia Gruszecka (8 K) kill tied the game at 10-10, the Otters ran off four straight points to take a 14-10 lead. A Kelly Balanay kill brought HPU to within two points at 22-20, but CSUMB held on for the win. Balanay posted 14 kills to lead all players.
The following three games belonged to the Sea Warriors. In game two, it was HPU that took control midway through. They grabbed an 18-12 lead on an Antje Buskies kill and coasted to the win. Buskies recorded nine kills on the evening.
HPU’s game three win was even more impressive. The Sea Warriors trailed 17-16 after Rheann Fall (8 K, 13 D) posted a kill, but responded with five straight points to take a 21-17 lead. Natasha Bell (10 K) and Shawntell Jones (4 K) posted kills in the run. HPU won going away.
Game four was as dominating a win as they’ve had this season. Six straight points midway through the game helped HPU pull away with the win and grab the match from the Otters.
Kelly Keating posted a match-high 43 assists and Tricia Yoshimura recorded 25 digs, also a match-high. Alisha Thomas led CSUMB with 13 kills.
HPU now travel to Notre Dame de Namur to play a pair of PacWest matches. They take on the Argos on both Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4. First serve for both matches is set for 7:00 p.m.
Yoshimura Selected To Weekly Honor Roll
Queen Creek, AZ (10/1/08) – HPU defensive specialist Tricia Yoshimura has been selected to the PacWest Weekly Honor Roll, announced by the Conference office. The selection is the third of the season for Yoshimura.
Yoshimura (Honolulu, HI) earned her selection for the week ending September 30. The 5-2 libero led the PacWest in digs per game for the week at 6.22. In 43 games, she has posted 210 digs good for a 4.88 digs per game percentage, tops in the PacWest.
The Sea Warriors are in action tonight, October 1 at Cal State University-Monterey Bay. The match can be seen live by accessing www.otterathletics.com. Start time is set for 4:00 p.m. Hawai‘i Standard Time.
HPU Toppled By Seasiders
Laie, HI (9/26/08) – At the Canon Activities Center, the Lady Sea Warrior volleyball team fell to BYU-Hawai'i 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-13). HPU falls to 2-10 on the season and 0-3 in the PacWest. BYUH improves to 6-5 and 3-0 in conference.
The Sea Warriors were outplayed in most major categories. While both squads posted low attack percentages, BYUH recorded 24 more assists and 20 more digs. Both teams posted nine blocks.
Despite the Seasider dominance, games one and two were very competitive. HPU trailed 5-2 in game one but BYUH responded with seven straight points to take a 9-5 lead. The game remained close as HPU took a late 18-17 lead on an error by Losaline Faka'osi (12 K, 11 D). The Seasiders would take over from there, posting eight of the final nine points for the 25-19 win.
Game two told a similar tale. HPU took a 14-12 lead midway through the game on a Natasha Bell (6 K, 4 D) kill assisted by Kelly Keating. Keating posted 13 assists to lead HPU. Again HPU would be unable to hold the lead, as BYUH again caught fire with eight of the next 10 points. The Sea Warriors were unable to recover as they fell handedly in game three.
Tricia Yoshimura delivered another solid effort for HPU, posting 18 digs on the night. Bell and Julia Gruszecka led HPU with six kills each. BYUH's Agnes Tuilevuka led the match with 15 kills, and Melanie Manutai posted a match-high 26 digs.
HPU now take to the road for three matches. First up is Cal State Monterey Bay on Wednesday, October 1st. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m.
PacWest Honor Roll Report
Queen Creek, AZ (9/22/08) – HPU received three selections to the PacWest Weekly Honor Roll, announced today by the Conference office. Tricia Yoshimura received a selection for the volleyball honor, and Max Anton, Chance Bukoski, and Rayden Tsutsui were selected for the men's soccer honor. The honors were selected for matches played from September 15-21.
Tricia Yoshimura received her first selection on the heels of two 28-dig performances versus Chaminade and UH-Hilo. Both were season high's for the Sea Warriors. The sophomore from Honolulu led the PacWest last week in digs with 6.22 per game.
Anton, Bukoski, and Tsutsui earned their honors based on stellar performances versus California Baptist University this past Friday, September 19. HPU twice rallied from a two-goal deficit for a 3-3 overtime draw. Bukoski (Kapa'a, HI) scored HPU's first goal, and Anton (Kailua, HI) sent the match into overtime with a goal in the 85th minute. Rayden Tsutsui (Honolulu, HI) was instrumental in the result, assisting on goals in the 51st and 79th minutes.
Volleyball retakes the court this Friday, September 26 at BYU-Hawai'i at 7:00 p.m., while the men's soccer team open PacWest play this Saturday, September 27 against UH-Hilo. Start time for that match is set at 1:30 p.m. at Atherton Field, followed by the women's soccer match versus the Vulcans at 3:30 p.m.
HPU Fall To UH-Hilo In Four Games
Honolulu, HI (9/20/08) – At Saint Andrew’s Priory, the HPU volleyball team fell to UH-Hilo 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 25-23, 25-15). The Lady Vulcans improve to 11-3 (1-1) while the Sea Warriors fall to 2-9 (0-2). Tricia Yoshimura had 28 digs in the losing effort.
A win against the incumbent PacWest champions was to be a tall order, and game one seemed to be an indication of that. Elise Ardron kept the game close in the early going, posting one of her four kills to bring the score to 7-7. UH-Hilo took control of the game at that point, winning eight of the next nine points.
The Sea Warriors responded well in their game two win to tie the match. After an attack error by Kelly Balanay (8 K) dropped HPU in a 17-10 hole, they ran off five straight points to bring the lead to just two. HPU kept the momentum going, winning the final six points for the 25-21 win.
HPU would not be able to hold of the Vulcans in the next two games. Game three was a battle until the end, with HPU losing by the narrowest of margins. Though trailing most of the game, UHH tied the game at 19-19 on three straight kills by Mary Claire Bolo (14 K). Trailing 23-21, HPU’s Natasha Bell (6 K, 5 digs) posted a kill followed by a service ace to tie the score, but two straight points by UHH sealed the victory.
Yoshimura’s 28 kills was a game and season high for HPU. Julia Gruszecka led HPU with 14 kills and Kelly Keating posted 30 assists.
HPU conclude their brief home stand, and now travel to Laie, HI to take on BYU-Hawai‘i on Friday September 26. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Canon Activities Center.
Sea Warriors Drop Heartbreaker To Swords
Honolulu, HI (9/18/08) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU women’s volleyball team dropped a five-game thriller to Chaminade, 25-15, 21-25, 25-21, 18-25, 15-11. Julia Gruszecka led HPU with 16 kills, and Vanja Radanovic (CUH) led all hitters with 21 kills. HPU falls to 2-8 (0-1) while CUH improves to 5-5 (1-0).
HPU appeared outmatched in the early going, as Chaminade were dominant in their game one win. The Swords grabbed an early lead and never looked back. A 7-2 run midway through sealed the win.
Game two was a different story, as HPU responded with a solid effort. Never trailing in the game, the Sea Warriors raced out to a 10-4 lead. Chaminade responded but consecutive kills by Kelly Balanay (15 K) and Natasha Bell (15 K) pushed the lead to 14-9. Bell was the go-to hitter for much of the match. She posted 51 attacks, the most of any HPU player this season.
Game three did not disappoint, as a see-saw affair saw CUH edge the Sea Warriors by four points. Chaminade established an early 10-5 lead on a Trina Kauliakamoa (14 K) kill. HPU rallied later in the game, as a Gruszecka kill brought HPU to within one point at 17-16. The comeback would not be complete though, as the Swords took four of the next five points and captured the win.
HPU did not fold in game four, winning handedly by seven points. The Lady Sea Warriors were determined to send the match to a fifth game, as a 6-1 run midway through give HPU a lead they would not relinquish.
The fifth and deciding game saw CUH take an early 5-1 lead on a Courtney Lorusso (11 K) kill. HPU rallied and brought the game to 11-9 on one of Balanay’s five blocks. HPU would come no closer, as a Radanovic kill ended the match.
HPU will need to recover quickly, as they have one day to prepare for UH-Hilo. They take on the Lady Vulcans on Saturday, September 20. Start time is set for 4:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Priory, and will be broadcasted on KWHE-TV 14 and KUMU AM 1500.
HPU Close Road Trip In Style
Lacey, WA (9/9/08) – On the final day of their non-conference road swing, the HPU volleyball team earned a well deserved 3-1 victory over Saint Martin’s University. The Sea Warriors topped the Saints 25-19, 25-22, 20-25, 25-17. HPU improves to 2-7 while SMU falls to 2-5.
HPU atoned for a loss to the Saints just four days ago at the Central Washington University Invitational. They lost to SMU 3-1 in the first match of the tournament. Looking for a critical win before returning home, the Sea Warriors grabbed a 2-0 lead before the Saints crawled back into the match with a third set win. HPU clinched the win with a 25-17 win in game four.
Julia Gruszecka posted a team-high 11 kills followed by Kelly Balanay with nine kills, and Phoebe Hettel with seven kills. HPU had a season high 80 digs, led by Tricia Yoshimura with 24 kills, also a season high. Kelly Keating recorded a season high 29 assists.
Andrea Tarbet (SMU) led all hitters with 14 kills.
Game one saw HPU steadily increase an early advantage for the win, but game two was a much tighter affair. After a nip and tuck battle, SMU scored three straight points to build a 20-18 lead. HPU responded where in previous meetings they might have faltered. The Sea Warriors ran off five straight points highlighted by two Gruszecka kills. Balanay sealed the win with one her nine kills.
After a game three win brought SMU back into the match, HPU closed the door with a solid eight point win. Lauren Simmons (4 K, 11 digs) posted the match-clinching kill.
HPU return home to take on their alumni in an exhibition affair at Saint Andrew’s Priory. The match is set for Tuesday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. The Sea Warriors begin conference play two days later against Chaminade. Start time is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
The match will be broadcast on KUMU AM 1500 radio and simulcast on KWHE-TV 14.
HPU Volleyball Continue To Stumble
Ellensburg, WA (9/6/08) – At the Central Washington University Invitational, HPU fell twice to finish the tournament winless and fall to 1-7 overall. HPU were topped by Northwest Nazarene and later by the host Wildcats, both by 3-0 scores.
In their first match, HPU fell to NNU 25-18, 25-17, 25-22. Aimee Tresierra led the attack for HPU, posting 12 kills for another fine outing. Cammy Dranginis (NNU) posted a game high 16 kills. HPU's Kelly Keating earned game-high honors in assists with 31.
The Crusaders outlasted HPU in each game. In game one, NNU grabbed an early lead with gradually increased to eight points after a kill by Lindsay Forseth. NNU led 20-12 and held on for the win. Game two saw a much tighter match, but again with NNU pulling away. An 11-4 run to close the game did the Sea Warriors in. Game three told a similar story with the same ending.
HPU were looking to salvage a win in the tournament in the evening match with CWU, but fell 25-16, 25-23, and 26-24. HPU appeared to be down and out, losing the opening game 26-15 and digging themselves an early nine-point hole in game two. After a kill by Kayla Roof (10 K, 13 D), the Wildcats led 11-3.
The Sea Warriors, after trailing 20-14, responded to bring the game to a 23-22 score. A kill by Julia Gruszecka (10 K) brought HPU to within one point. The run was short-lived, as Rachael Schurman posted one of her game-high 11 kills to seal the win.
Game three was the tightest game of the entire day, featuring 22 ties and 11 lead changes. Outside of an early 3-1 Wildcat lead, no team led by more than one point. An attack error by Phoebe Hettel (9 K, 6 D) followed by a Kady Try (7 K, 6 D) kill gave CWU the game and match.
Hettel's nine kills were second on the team, followed by Tresierra (8), and Kelly Balanay (7). Tricia Yoshimura posted a match-high 17 digs for HPU.
The Sea Warriors travel to Lacey, Washington for another crack at Saint Martin's University, whom they lost to in the first match of the tournament. The match is set for Tuesday, September 9, at 7:00 p.m. PST.
Sea Warriors Fall In Second Match of Invitational
Ellensburg, WA (9/5/08) – In their second match of the Central Washington University Invitational, the Sea Warrior volleyball team fell to Sonoma State in four games, 24-26, 25-8, 25-13, 25-19. HPU falls to 1-5 while SSU improves to 5-1.
Despite losing to Saint Martin’s University just hours earlier, HPU appeared ready for their match with a quality SSU opponent. They took game one 26-24 in a battle that saw 14 ties and neither team leading by more than three points. Stefania Aladjova posted the game clinching kill, her only one in as many attempts.
Game one must have been a wakeup call for SSU, as the next three games were won handedly by the Seawolves. Games two and three saw a combined total of 21 HPU points, with SSU never trailing in taking game four.
Three Sea Warriors led their team in kills. Julia Gruszecka, Kelly Balanay, and Aimee Tresierra each posted seven kills. Aladjova garnered 11 assists, with Kelly Keating posting 14 assists. Gruszecka also recorded 19 digs, just one less than Tricia Yoshimura with 20 digs.
Marianne Fox (14 K) and Kristy Sather (17 K) led the attack for the Seawolves, with Lindsay Brown posting a game high 44 assists.
HPU return tomorrow for Day 2 of the Invitational. They take on Northwest Nazarene at 2:30 p.m. and finish with host Central Washington at 7:30 p.m.
Volleyball Falls In Road Opener
Ellensburg, WA (9/5/08) – In the opening match of the Central Washington University Invitational, HPU fell to Saint Martin's University, 3-1 (20-25, 24-26, 25-15, 19-25). HPU falls to 1-4 while Saint Martin's improves to 2-2. HPU dug themselves a two-set hole before rallying with a 25-15 win in game three. The Sea Warriors had an opportunity to push the match to a fifth game, but a late run by the Saints sealed the win.
Middle hitter Kelly Balanay and outside hitter Julia Gruszecka led the attack for HPU. Balanay posted seven kills for a .462 attack percentage, with Gruszecka delivering a team-high nine kills. Malia Ibarra and Nicole Ostlund each recorded 11 kills for SMU for match-highs. HPU setter Stefania Aladjova posted a match high 21 assists with SMU's Amber Roberts.
A fast start for the Saints in game one spelled doom for HPU. After attack errors by Lauren Simmons and Hikaru Kozuma, SMU built a 9-2 lead before HPU called a timeout. The Sea Warriors did rally, as seven consecutive points brought the game level at 21-21, but SMU regained control to win going away.
Game two featured 11 ties but no leads for HPU beyond taking the game's opening point. Consecutive kills by Ibarra and Angela Smith seal the game two win. The Sea Warriors responded well in game three with a convincing 10-point win. After an error by Ibarra, HPU held a 10-5 lead and the margin would get no closer. Aimee Tresierra posted three of her four kills to help gain the win.
SMU clinched the victory in game four, as a late run led to the match win. After a block assist by Balanay and Natasha Bell, HPU led 19-17. The Saints quickly turned the momentum in their favor, running off eight straight points for the win.
The Sea Warriors have little time to reflect on the result, as they face off against Sonoma State. In a match played simultaneously to HPU-SMU, The Seawolves (4-1) dropped their first result of the season to host Central Washington University.
Start time for HPU's match with Sonoma State is set for 2:00 p.m. HST.
Sea Warrior Sports Saturday!
Honolulu, HI (8/30/08) – Sea Warrior sports were in full effect today, as men’s and women’s soccer, along with women’s volleyball all saw action in their young seasons. The women’s soccer team dropped a heartbreaker to Washburn University, 2-1, with the men’s team routing Academy of Art, 4-0. The volleyball team played a doubleheader at the Hawai‘i Invitational, falling to both Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Baptist.
The women’s soccer team kicked off the day at 10:00 a.m. Looking to go 2-0, HPU made a valiant effort but fell short in heart-wrenching fashion. Trailing 1-0 in the second half, they evened the match on a Katrina Torres goal, but gave up a score with just three minutes to play. Danielle Ayala headed home a service from the flank for the game winner.
The men’s soccer team took the field later in the day, trouncing first-year program Academy of Art University. The 4-0 deficit was the biggest since the 2006 season as they improved to 1-1. Nate Scott, Chance Bukoski, Andre Whitt, and Max Anton all netted goals for the Sea Warriors.
In volleyball action, HPU dropped a pair of matches to fall to 1-3. In their first match they fell 25-16, 25-19, 15-25, 25-16 to Cal Poly Pomona. Phoebe Hettel led the attack for HPU, posting eight kills, followed by Julia Gruszecka and Aimee Tresierra who each posted six kills. Kelly Keating recorded 14 assists.
In the night cap, HPU played well in spurts but were unable to handle Cal Baptist. Tresierra posted 13 kills; with Kelly Keating recording a season high 25 assists. Cal Baptist’s Shi Fei recorded a game-high 21 kills.
Both men’s and women’s soccer teams retake the field this week with matches against Sonoma State. The women’s team plays Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Atherton Field, with the men playing Sonoma State at Chaminade at 2:00 p.m. The volleyball team takes to the road for the Central Washington University Invitational in Ellensburg, Washington. First match is set for Friday, September 5 at 12:00 p.m.
Sea Warriors Topped By #14 Nebraska-Kearney
Honolulu, HI (8/29/08) – At the Neal Blaisdell Center, the HPU volleyball team fell to national power Nebraska-Kearney, 25-21, 25-18, 25-22. The Warriors drop their first match of the season to fall to 1-1, while UNK improves to 2-1.
HPU hung tough throughout the match, displaying solid defense but unable to finish rallies. Libero Tricia Yoshimura posted 14 digs to lead the team, with Lauren Simmons cashing in eight digs. Game one saw UNK take an early lead and never relinquish it. After Simmons posted a kill assisted by Stefania Aladjova, HPU trailed just 16-15, but four straight points by the Lady Lopers gave them a foothold on the game. Game two saw HPU take an early 10-7 lead, but UNK came back with nine of the next 10 points to take an 18-11 advantage. UNK pulled away for the seven-point win.
The Sea Warriors played arguably their best game in game three. After blocks by Kelly Keating and Shawntell Jones, HPU pulled even at 10-10. The game seesawed from then on until HPU built a 19-16 lead on a Jeri Walkowiak (9 K) service error. The lead would be short lived though, as UNK rolled off nine of the next 11 points for the game and the match.
UNK’s Shelby Workman and Kelsey Werner led the game in kills with 11 and 10, respectively. Julia Gruszecka led HPU with eight kills.
The Sea Warriors finish the Hawai‘i Invitational with two matches tomorrow, August 30. They face off with Cal Poly Pomona at 1:00 p.m. followed by their match with California Baptist at 7:00 p.m. Both matches take place at the Neal Blaisdell Center.
Sea Warrior Sports Impressive On Opening Day
Honolulu, HI (8/28/08) - The 2008 Fall season is upon us, and both men’s and women’s soccer along with volleyball took the field and court for their opening day matches. The Sea Warrior soccer teams split, as the women topped Texas-Permian Basin 2-1, with the men losing to UTPB by the same score. The Lady Sea Warrior volleyball team trounced the Eagles of Embry-Riddle, 3-0.
In the first of three matches out in Laie, Hawai‘i, Michele Nagamine earned her first victory in as many tries as a college head coach. Vailima Walker and rookie Katrina Torres each found the back of the net for HPU, who scored a goal in each half for the win. With HPU holding a 1-0 lead, UTPB earned a penalty kick in the 64th minute. Letha Irvin promptly put home the spot kick to even the score. Just moments later, Walker beat UTPB keeper Samantha Brownlee for the game winner.
Just two hours later on the same field, the men’s soccer team squared off against UTPB but were not as successful, falling 2-1. The Sea Warriors did open the scoring though, as sophomore Linus Ekden gave HPU a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute. UTPB responded just before halftime with a 25-yard rocket to the upper right corner. UTPB struck again in the 66th minute. Luis Paiva drilled a shot past HPU keeper Matt Terry for the game winner.
On the court, the HPU volleyball team shutdown Embry-Riddle, 3-0. Featuring a host of new faces, and an impressive service receive game, HPU was too much for the Lady Eagles. Kelly Balanay posted nine kills in only 13 attacks, while Phoebe Hettel and Natasha Bell recorded four kills each.
Both men’s and women’s soccer retake the field Saturday, August 30 for a pair of home matches. The Lady Sea Warriors take on Washburn University at 10:00 a.m., with the men’s team playing Academy of Art at 4:00 p.m. Both games will be played at Atherton Field on the Hawai‘i Loa Campus. The volleyball team retakes the court tomorrow, August 29, against 15th ranked University of Nebraska-Kearney. Start time is set for 7:30 p.m.
