Sept. 9, 2007
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The No. 19 Santa Clara volleyball team fell 3-1 (30-28, 20-30, 28-30, 27-30) to No. 16 Hawai'i in the final match of the 2007 Waikiki Beach Marriott Volleyball Challenge. With the loss, the Broncos dropped to 6-3 on the season, while the Rainbow Wahine improved to 5-3 overall.
Brittany Lowe led the Broncos with 20 kills and added 10 digs, while Nina Sevastopoulos registered 15 kills and six total blocks. Lindsy Evans posted another impressive performance with 14 kills and four total blocks. In the back row, Caroline Walters led Santa Clara's defense with a season-high 20 digs, while handing out two service aces.
The Broncos opened the first game with a 7-3 lead, and pushed their way to a 13-8 advantage on points from Lowe and Sevastopoulos. Yet, Hawaii fought back to tie the score, 15-15, and then took a one-point lead, 20-19, on a kill from Tara Hittle. But Santa Clara was not done yet, compiling a 7-1 run and putting the Broncos ahead, 26-21. A block assist from Evans and Scoffone gave SCU a 30-28 game one victory.
In game two, Hawaii scored the first two points and kept the edge for the remainder of the first half. The Broncos fought hard to knot the score on points from Scoffone, Low and Sevastopoulos, but Amber Kaufman scored the final point to give the `Bows a 30-20 win in the second game.
The start to game three saw a close battle between Santa Clara and Hawaii, resulting in seven ties before the Rainbow Wahine pulled away with a three-point advantage, 19-16. Yet, Santa Clara produced a four-point run to knot the score, 19-19, on a kill from Evans. SCU tied the score once more on a Lowe service ace, 22-22, before UH rallied to game point on a kill from Aneli Cubi-Otineru. The Broncos held off the `Bows for three rallies before Cubi-Otineru struck again and gave Hawaii a 30-28 finish.
Trailing 2-1 in games, Santa Clara kept the score really tight once again as neither team was able to hold the lead for more than two-points. Yet, a service ace from Evans gave the Broncos a 15-14 lead going into the media timeout. UH rallied to take the lead, but SCU remained on close and tied the score seven times with its final attempt at 27-27 on a kill from Sevastopoulos. The `Bows brought the game and match to a close with a 30-27 victory.
For Hawaii, Jamie Houston tallied 26 kills and 10 digs, while Otineru added 16 kills and 16 digs. Kaufman dished out two aces for UH and Juliana Sanders posted seven total blocks.
SCU return to action on Thursday, Sept. 13 in their home opener against UC Davis. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Leavey Center. The Broncos continue at home play with the 2007 Santa Clara Tournament on Sept. 14 -16. Over the three days, Santa Clara will host California on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m., UC Santa Barbara on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m., and Notre Dame on Sept. 16 at 11 a.m.
For Hawaii, Jamie Houston tallied 26 kills and 10 digs, while Otineru added 16 kills and 16 digs. Kaufman dished out two aces for UH and Juliana Sanders posted seven total blocks.
SCU return to action on Thursday, Sept. 13 in their home opener against UC Davis. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Leavey Center. The Broncos continue at home play with the 2007 Santa Clara Tournament on Sept. 14 -16. Over the three days, Santa Clara will host California on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m., UC Santa Barbara on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m., and Notre Dame on Sept. 16 at 11 a.m.
