No. 11 Hawaii sweeps UCSB in Big West opener
Hawaii opposite Nikki Taylor (14) makes a save off the UCSB kill attempt in the game between the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos and the University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Junior hitter Nikki Taylor put down 14 kills and No. 11 Hawaii put up 10 blocks to sweep UC Santa Barbara 25-13, 25-14, 25-19 in the Big West volleyball opener for both teams tonight at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Hawaii’s middles did not commit a hitting error in a combined 33 swings with sophomore Emily Maglio putting down eight kills and senior Olivia Magill six. Senior hitter Tai Manu-Olevao added nine kills and Maglio tied her career high when being in on six blocks for the Rainbow Wahine (11-1, 1-0 Big West).
The teams combined for 101 digs in the 97-minute contest. UCSB libero Emilia Petrachi had a match-high 19 digs and Hawaii libero Savanah Kahakai had 18.
Chanel Hoffman led the Gauchos (4-8, 0-1) with seven kills. It was the seventh straight loss for UCSB.
Hawaii hosts Cal Poly (8-3, 0-0) to close out its five-week opening homestand.
