Rainbow Wahine sweep Beach to win Big West tourney, reach NCAAs
BILLY HULL / BHULL@STARADVERTISER.COM
The Rainbow Wahine posed with the Big West Tournament banner after sweeping host Long Beach State today. The victory gave UH the title and automatically qualified the Wahine for the NCAA Tournament.
LONG BEACH, Calif. >> A Big West volleyball tournament thought to be up for grabs after the first day was completely dominated by the reigning champs.
Hawaii completed a perfect run through the final two days of the tournament, sweeping host Long Beach State in style 26-24, 25-15, 25-10 today at Walter Pyramid.
Amber Igiede led the way with 16 kills and hit .522 as the Rainbow Wahine (23-8) locked up their 12th Big West championship and fourth in a row to clinch a 30th consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament.
After a close first set, Hawaii dominated the Beach (21-10), winning the last two sets by a combined 25 points.
Kennedi Evans hit .778 with seven kills and Caylen Alexander added 10 digs, six kills and four blocks.
DOMINATION.
Six sets, six victories, another @BigWestSports women's volleyball championship. #HawaiiWVB sweeps Long Beach State 26-24, 25-15, 25-10. 30th straight NCAA appearance on the way next. These ladies stepped up when it mattered most. pic.twitter.com/Baqr0wREE0
— Billy Hull (@billyhull) November 26, 2023
Hawaii hit .330 for the match, including .667 in the third set. UH outblocked the Beach 11-3 and enjoyed a 6-0 advantage in service aces.
The first three matches of the five-match tournament went to five sets. Hawaii, which lost in five at home to Cal Poly earlier this month, swept the Mustangs on Friday to reach the final.
The celebration is ON in the Pyramid. #HawaiiWVB. pic.twitter.com/zmPujhCU2g
— Billy Hull (@billyhull) November 26, 2023
UH then took out the Beach in straight sets after getting swept by Long Beach State on this same court two months ago.
Hawaii will find out where it is headed during Sunday’s NCAA selection show on ESPN at 1 p.m.
