Tribune-Herald
Tribune-Herald
The Rainbow Wahine could hardly have asked for a better scenario.
Star outside hitter Emily Hartong, outstanding as usual Saturday night in Seattle, was at the net with the chance to advance the University of Hawaii to the third round of the NCAA Division I volleyball tournament.
The University of Washington came up with the block, however, and ultimately the match.
The Huskies scored three straight points to scratch out a victory in the fourth set, then broke a tie midway through the decisive game for a 20-25, 25-20, 19-25, 27-25, 15-11 victory.
Just like that, UH’s 20-match winning streak — and season — were over. It finished 27-3.
Hartong, the Big West player of the year, slammed 30 kills, 11 in the first set, with 14 digs, though she was thwarted at the net by Amanda Gil and Kylin Munoz on UH’s match point.
Munoz was a key cog in a balanced attack for the Huskies (25-6). Krista Vansant, Munoz, and Cassie Strickland buried 16, 15, and 13 kills, respectively, as Washington hit .268.
Jane Croson contributed 20 kills for the ‘Bows, who hit .260, Jade Vorster added eight and Kalie Adolpho had seven. Alyssa Longo led the way with 17 digs and setter Mita Uiato compiled 62 assists. All of five of those players, as well as Hartong, figure to be back next season.