Wahine open WAC play with sweep of La. Tech
Advertiser Staff
RUSTON, La. — It took the University of Hawai'i 90 minutes to drive here Friday, after flying to Los Angeles, Dallas and Shreveport. That's 15 minutes longer than it took the 12th-ranked Wahine to defeat Louisiana Tech, 30-18, 30-15, 30-20, last night at Thomas Assembly Center.
It was the Western Athletic Conference volleyball opener for both teams, and first conference visit to Ruston for Hawai'i. Tech joined the WAC in July.
They couldn't cope with Kim Willoughby (17 kills, three block solos) or Maja Gustin (12 kills). Last season's co-WAC Freshmen of the Year provided more than half of Hawai'i's offense. Every Wahine played, and played well, according to coach Dave Shoji.
"Everybody was into it," Shoji said. "We had a lot of good communication and energy. We wanted to establish ourselves as a good road team, not have any big swings up or down. We accomplished that."
UH out-hit Tech .387-.011 and out-dug it 39-22. Jennifer Carey hit in Game 2, and set Game 3. Melody Eckmier was 5-for-10 in that game, subbing for Nohea Tano.
"I expected it to be a little closer," Shoji said. "Our team prepared well and took them out of their game right away. They seemed nervous. They've got some talent, they'll win some matches in the league. They just didn't play up to their capabilities."
Hawai'i (7-4) takes a four-match winning streak into Wednesday's non-conference match at Houston.
The match was watched by 593, the largest volleyball-only crowd in Tech history. About 50 were Willoughby fans, who made the long drive from her hometown of Napoleonville, La.
