Volleyball 'Bows sweep
Advertiser Staff
Hawai'i rose above its volleyball inexperience literally and figuratively to smash Eastern Washington, 30-23, 30-15, 30-20, last night in the first round of the Hawaiian Airlines Classic.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
The 13th-ranked Rainbow Wahine's season opener was watched by 4,412 at Stan Sheriff Center.
Rainbow Wahine setter Kanoe Kamanao'o stuffed this spike attempt by Eastern Washington's Brittney Page in last night's season opener.
Sophomore Alicia Arnott (11 kills) and juniors Victoria Prince (8) and Susie Boogaard (8) provided the bulk of a balanced UH offense, set up by setter Kanoe Kamanao'o. Senior captain Melody Eckmier anchored a shockingly successful Hawai'i block with seven stuffs and also hit .900 (9 for 10).
Hawai'i, down seven seniors from 2003, never trailed in Game 1, thanks in huge part to a huge block. With Eckmier — one of just two UH seniors — dropping in on five stuffs, the 'Bows blocked seven balls.
The only negative was swift and sad: UH freshman Juliana Sanders, who started in the middle, went down with an injured left ankle on the second point in the second game.
Her teammates compensated capably. Kari Gregory came in for four stuffs and Boogaard and Arnott went 7 for 18 with no errors.
Tonight, 17th-ranked Arizona takes on Eastern Washington at 5 and Hawai'i plays San Diego at approximately 7. San Diego and Arizona play tomorrow at 2 p.m., in a match with no admission charge. The tournament ends Sunday with EWU facing San Diego at 4 p.m. and the Rainbows and Wildcats playing at approximately 6 p.m.
