Tribune-Herald
Tribune-Herald
No. 8 University of Hawaii moved one win from a perfect debut in the Big West and boosted its chances of hosting first- and second-round matches at the NCAA volleyball tournament.
Emily Hartong buried 23 kills Thursday night as the Rainbow Wahine pushed past Cal State Fullerton 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-19 in Honolulu.
After its NCAA-best 71 consecutive conference victory, Hawaii (25-2, 17-0 Big West) can become the first Big West team in a decade to finish undefeated with a win at 7 p.m. Friday against Cal Riverside.
The ‘Bows were ranked No. 16 in this week’s NCAA RPI index, and if they end the season that way they’ll stay home for the start of the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The NCAA tournament selections will be announced at 11 a.m. Sunday on ESPNU.
Hartong, who just won her fourth league player of the week honor this season, hit .275, while middle blocker Kalei Adolpho added 10 kills with a .389 attack percentage and Jane Croson contributed nine kills. Jade Vorster had seven kills and seven blocks, and Ali Longo recorded a team-high 14 digs.
For the Titans (15-15, 9-8), Kayla Neto posted 16 kills and 12 digs.