Nikki Taylor posted double-digits in kills for the 14th consecutive match, a streak that dates back to last season, and Hawaii began Big West volleyball play with a 25-13, 25-14, 25-19 victory against UC Santa Barbara on Friday night in
Nikki Taylor posted double-digits in kills for the 14th consecutive match, a streak that dates back to last season, and Hawaii began Big West volleyball play with a 25-13, 25-14, 25-19 victory against UC Santa Barbara on Friday night in Honolulu.
Taylor led her team in kills for the 11th time this season with 14, Tai Manu-Olevao added nine and Emily Maglio had eight for the No. 11 Rainbow Wahine (11-1, 1-0), who won their conference home opener for the 30th time in 31 tries.
Behind efficient play from Taylor and Maglio, UH hit .365 and made only six attack errors. Maglio made a career-high six blocks to go along with .615 hitting – no errors on 13 swings. Taylor made only one error.
Olivia Magill (six kills) and Manu-Olevao each ignited spurts in the first and second sets, and five different Wahine registered kills in the third set, including Kalei Greeley (six kills).
The Gauchos (4-8, 0-1) were outblocked 10-3.
Hawaii concludes a 13-match homestand Saturday night against Cal Poly.
