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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, October 12, 2007

Rainbow Wahine win 11th in row with sweep of Boise

Advertiser Staff

No. 12 Hawai'i opened a three-match road trip last night by quickly disposing of Boise State, 30-17, 30-22, 30-16, in Western Athletic Conference volleyball at Bronco Gym in Boise, Idaho.

The Rainbows, who won their 11th in a row, improved to 14-3 overall and 8-0 in the WAC. Boise State is 4-13 and 1-8.

Hawai'i got another high-percentage (.500) hitting night from Jamie Houston, who finished with 19 kills. Aneli Cubi-Otineru added 15 kills and three aces as UH coach Dave Shoji was able to clear his bench.

"We played extremely well," Shoji said. "We were pretty much mistake-free, had a good passing night and pretty high-percentage hitting."

UH hit .368 to Boise State's .094.

The Rainbow Wahine broke a 6-all tie on a kill by Cubi-Otineru and took control in the first game.

"We blocked well in the first game, then we forced (the Broncos) into hitting errors after that," Shoji said. "We didn't block too many balls straight down. We floated a lot of balls down ... we got good touches off the block."

After UH took a 7-1 lead in the second game, Boise State rallied to tie it at 10 and took its only lead at 11-10. After the 'Bows regained the lead, the Broncos were able to close to 21-20 before UH closed it out.

"We had little passing problems, and hitting errors let them back in Game 2," Shoji said. "Once we got on track we took command of the game."

Houston helped UH take control of the third game, serving four in a row, including an ace for a 6-2 lead. The 'Bows took their biggest lead at 28-12.

"(The Broncos) were missing two or three starters, which has really got to hurt their situation," Shoji said. "I thought the girls who played did OK. But if we're on, it doesn't matter who's on the other side."

Hawai'i plays Idaho tomorrow at Moscow, Idaho.

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