The University of Hawaii hardly missed Tai Manu-Olevao. Not with the way Kalei Greeley played. ADVERTISING The University of Hawaii hardly missed Tai Manu-Olevao. Not with the way Kalei Greeley played. The freshman outside hitter ripped 15 kills Sunday night
The University of Hawaii hardly missed Tai Manu-Olevao. Not with the way Kalei Greeley played.
The freshman outside hitter ripped 15 kills Sunday night and the Rainbow Wahine bounced San Diego State 25-16, 25-17, 23-25, 25-14 to complete the Chevron Rainbow Wahine Invitational in Honolulu.
No. 17 Hawaii (2-1) rebounded from a loss a night earlier against Arizona State despite not having the services of Manu-Olevao, one of the team’s top returning players, who sat out because of religious beliefs.
In her place, the Wahine got a balanced effort, led by Greeley, who hit .433 with three aces in her first career start.
Juniors Keani Passi (.391) and Olivia Magill (.451) each posted 11 kills and junior Ginger Long added nine, taking the most swings at 38. Senior Kalei Adolpho, the only returning starter from last season to take the floor Sunday, delivered seven kills and six blocks. Magill also tallied six blocks. Libero Sarah Mendoza notched a match-high 24 digs.
Hawaii outhit the Aztecs (0-3) .317-.093 and held a 11-4 advantage in blocks, overcoming 17 service errors.
The Wahine fought back to tie Game 3 at 23, but a bad serve and faulty set extended the match.
But they cruised through the fourth set, scoring the first six points and tacking on two more runs of at least four points.
Ciara Brown led San Diego State with 14 kills.
In the earlier match, Ohio knocked off the Sun Devils in four sets, with both teams moving to 2-1.
UH starts the second of its three preseason tournaments (Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday against New Mexico. Oregon and St. John’s are also in the field.
