Hawaii took a big step in its bid to regain the Big West championship. ADVERTISING Hawaii took a big step in its bid to regain the Big West championship. Nikki Taylor swatted 20 kills Friday night and the No. 6
Hawaii took a big step in its bid to regain the Big West championship.
Nikki Taylor swatted 20 kills Friday night and the No. 6 Rainbow Wahine beat defending league champion Long Beach State for the second time this season, 26-28, 25-22, 25-13, 25-20 in Long Beach, Calif.
Securing their 16th consecutive victory, the Rainbow Wahine remained two games ahead Cal Poly, which is now in second place, and three games ahead of Long Beach (20-6, 10-3) in the loss column.
The Beach hadn’t lost at home since a defeat to the Wahine in 2013.
Despite dropping the first set, Hawaii had an easier time than it did Oct. 11 when it was taken to five sets by Long Beach at home.
While Taylor added 14 digs in her fifth double-double of the regular season, UH middle blockers thrived. Olivia Magill put down 10 kills without an error and posted six blocks, and Emily Maglio needed only 20 swings to reach 11 kills, hitting .50o.
Outside hitters Tai Manu-Olevao and Kalei Greeley contributed 11 and 10 kills, respectively for Hawaii, which outhit Long Beach .273-.196 and was strong in serve-receive, allowing only one ace.
Nele Barber led Long Beach with 16 kills and 16 digs.
The Rainbow Wahine visit winless Cal State Fullerton on Saturday. Hawaii still has a match remaining at Cal Poly on Nov. 19 during an unusual stretch in which it plays its final six matches on the road.
