The Wahine volleyball season came to an abrupt end tonight, as Hawaii lost to USC in a grueling 5-game match in front of 10,000 strong at the Stan Sheriff Center. Hawaii essentially had the match won on a few occasions, but made some critical mistakes, while USC took full advantage and went on to claim victory.
This was a tough way for the Wahine to go out this year, as they had compiled an overall record of 33-1. Kanani Danielson ends her stellar UH career with a loss, but will be missed tremendously by the volleyball team. She has had one of the best careers ever as a Wahine volleyball player.
Jane Croson had 25 kills and Kanani Danielson had 21 to lead UH. They tied for a team-high 23 digs each.
Hawaii had eliminated the Trojans in postseason play in three of the last five years.
Brittany Hewitt had two solos and nine block assists as Hawaii held a 15-14 edge in total blocks for the match.
Katie Fuller was the only other Trojan in double figures with 12 kills. USC hit .211 in the match while the Rainbow Wahine finished at .220.
UH setter Mita Uiato finished with 65 assists and 11 digs and libero Emily Maeda chipped in 17 digs.
USC (29-4) entered the match ranked No. 1 in the latest AVCA Coaches Top 25 poll and is the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed. Hawaii was ranked third but seeded 10th.
Pepperdine defeated Kansas State 25-18, 25-12, 25-23 in the evening’s first match. The Waves (25-6) and Trojans will play on Saturday night at 7.
Hawaii now turns to next year, as they have some s-star recruits coming in to go along with the amazing Jane Croson and the rest of the cast. Thanks for a great year Wahine volleyball, sorry it had to end like this.
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