The U.S. men’s national volleyball team, with three players from Hawaii on the roster, rebounded from its first loss in the FIVB World Cup play with a 25-23, 26-24, 25-17 sweep of Russia on Tuesday in Tokyo.
Setter Micah Christenson (Kamehameha) had 34 assists, two kills and a block as the U.S. kept its hopes alive for an automatic berth in next summer’s Rio Olympics. A win over Argentina on Wednesday all but guarantees a spot.
Libero Erik Shoji (Punahou) had 14 digs and earned the praise of U.S. coach John Speraw, who said, “Erik Shoji had a great match tonight. Great teams usually have great liberos. He is in his first quadrennial with us and has done and outstanding job in this tournament.”
Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani) was used as a serving sub in all three sets and sparked the team, his younger brother said. “Kawika came in and turned us around,” Erik Shoji said. “I was happy about that.”
The U.S. (9-1) lost its previous match to Poland (10-1), 17-25, 25-19, 25-23, 25-15. Poland lost its first match Tuesday to Italy (10-1), 26-24, 22-25, 25-22, 25-19.
Campos receives Big West weekly award
Camille Campos of the University of Hawaii was named the Big West Cross Country Athlete of the Week on Tuesday, becoming the first UH athlete to receive that award since the school joined the Big West in 2012.
Campos, a 5-foot freshman from Bakersfield, Calif., finished in 35th place at the University of Washington’s Sundodger Invitational last weekend, completing the 6K course in 22:14.83.
The last UH cross country athlete to receive a conference weekly honor was Kevyn Murphy in 2011 with the Western Athletic Conference.
Hilo golf places 11th at Viking Invitational
The Hawaii Hilo men’s golf team finished in 11th place at Western Washington’s Viking Invitational on Tuesday in Bellingham, Wash.
Kyeton Littel finished in a tie for 27th place individually with a 6-over 222 (76-71-75) to pace the Vulcans.
Hilo improved its team score over the course of the three-round event (309-302-296), which was won by Dixie State.
