Hawaii’s Micah Christenson set the U.S. team to a 3-1 victory over Australia on Saturday in FIVB Voleyball World League play in Rome.

Christenson (Kamehameha) added five digs, a kill and a block in the 20-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20 win at PalaLottomatica. Erik Shoji (Punahou) had seven digs for the Americans, who improved to 4-1. Reserve setter Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani) did not play.

The U.S. plays Bulgaria (0-6) today.

Rothman sixth at big wave event

Hawaii’s Makuakai Rothman was injured 20 minutes into Saturday’s final and settled for sixth place at the Puerto Escondido Challenge, the World Surf League’s Big Wave Tour season opener in Mexico.

Rothman won his semifinal with a 22.33. Two other competitors from Hawaii — Kai Lenny and Albee Layer — were eliminated in the other semifinal that was won by eventual champion Grant Baker of South America.

Rothman wiped out during the final. He was hit in the ribs by his board and was unable to continue.

Baxter second in SUP sprint race

Maui’s Connor Baxter finished second in Saturday’s sprint event of the Mercedes-Benz Standup World Cup in Scharbeutz, Germany.

Baxter, who won the event in 2014, won his heats but was edged in the final by Denmark’s Casper Steinfath. The second top of the SUP World Series concludes today with the distance race.