Hawai’i Women’s Volleyball Defeats UC Davis to Reach Big West Championship
IRVINE, Calif. — The University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team defeated UC Davis in the semifinals of the 2024 Outrigger Big West Women’s Volleyball Championship. The match ended with a score of 25-22, 16-25, 25-20, 21-25, 15-13, allowing the Rainbow Wahine to advance to the championship match against top-seeded Cal Poly.
Hawai’i, the second seed and defending champion, improved to 20-9 with this win. The team has played 11 five-set matches this season, with a record of 7-4 in those games. This victory marked the 44th time in program history that the Rainbow Wahine reached 20 wins in a season.
Caylen Alexander, the Big West Player of the Year, led the team with 22 kills and 17 digs, achieving her 28th career double-double. Jacyn Bamis contributed 15 kills, matching her career high, with a hitting percentage of .448. Tali Hakas and Stella Adeymi added 11 kills each, while Hakas also recorded 15 digs. Setter Kate Lang had 50 assists and 17 digs for her 49th career double-double. Libero Tayli Ikenaga led the defense with 19 digs.
The teams played closely throughout the match. In the first set, Hawai’i pulled ahead with an 8-1 run. In the second set, UC Davis surged with an 8-0 run to even the match. Hawai’i rebounded in the third set, taking the lead 2-1. The fourth set saw UC Davis leading late, sending the match to a decisive fifth set.
what were the key moments in Hawai’i’s semifinal match against UC Davis that contributed to their victory?
Interview with Volleyball Analyst Dr. Sarah Thompson on hawai’i’s Semifinal Victory
NewsDirectory3: Today,we sit down with Dr. Sarah Thompson,a sports analyst and former collegiate volleyball coach,to discuss the thrilling semifinal match between the University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team and UC Davis at the 2024 Outrigger Big West Women’s Volleyball Championship.
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Thompson, what were your initial thoughts on the match and its meaning for the Rainbow Wahine?
Dr.thompson: It was an astounding match, showcasing the resilience and talent of both teams. For Hawai’i, this victory is significant not only because it propels them to the championship but also because they have proven their capability to play under pressure. Winning 11 five-set matches this season truly highlights their endurance and mental toughness.
NewsDirectory3: Caylen Alexander had a standout performance with 22 kills and 17 digs. What does her leadership mean for the team moving forward?
Dr.Thompson: Caylen is a phenomenal player and a crucial asset to the team. Being named the Big West Player of the Year speaks volumes about her skills and contributions. Her ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, as seen with her match-winning kills, sets a tone for the entire squad. As a player who leads by example, her energy and determination can inspire her teammates in the championship match against Cal Poly.
NewsDirectory3: The match saw momentum shifts between the two teams. How did Hawai’i manage to overcome those challenges?
Dr. Thompson: Volleyball is a game of momentum, and both teams had their spells of dominance. Hawai’i’s ability to bounce back after UC Davis’s strong performances in the second and fourth sets demonstrates their adaptability. They showed great composure when the match was on the line in the fifth set. The 6-0 run was pivotal in turning the tides in their favor and showcased their strategic execution under pressure.
NewsDirectory3: Looking ahead, how do you see Hawai’i matching up against Cal Poly in the championship?
Dr. Thompson: cal Poly is a strong contender as the top seed, and this match will be a true test for Hawai’i. They’ll need to capitalize on their recent momentum and maintain their defensive intensity, especially with players like Tali Hakas and Tayli Ikenaga supporting the back row. If they can harness their team chemistry and continue playing with the same energy they displayed in the semifinals, they have a solid chance to defend their title.
NewsDirectory3: what are some key factors to watch for in the championship match?
Dr. Thompson: Key factors will include serving accuracy, net defence, and the effectiveness of setters.For Hawai’i, Kate lang has to continue facilitating the offence seamlessly.Additionally,both teams will need to control the tempo and limit unforced errors. The championship match promises to be compelling; it’ll be engaging to see which team can impose their style of play more effectively.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Dr.Thompson, for your insights on this exhilarating match and for your analysis of what lies ahead for the Rainbow Wahine.
Dr. thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to discuss the dynamics of the game, especially in such a pivotal tournament.
In the final set, both teams exchanged points. UH took control with a 6-0 run to lead 10-7. UC Davis tied the score again before Alexander secured the match point with her kills. The victory concluded with a 4-1 run, sending the Rainbow Wahine to the championship match.
UC Davis’s Olivia Utterback led her team with 18 kills and 16 digs. Setter Mia Starr recorded 44 assists and 13 digs, while Jade Light added 13 kills and 10 digs.
Hawai’i will face Cal Poly on Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time (3 p.m. Hawai’i Time) at UC Irvine’s Bren Events Center.