UH RECAP: Wahine Host Regionals

By Fred Guzman

Although ranked third in last week’s national poll with a sparkling 29-1 overall record, Hawaii had to settle for the No. 10 overall seed for the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament.   That’s the price the Rainbow Wahine pay for currently competing in what is rightfully perceived as a weak Western Athletic Conference.

Still, the Rainbow Wahine will be hosting first- and second-round NCAA tournament matches for the first time since 2003.

Hawaii will open against Big Sky champion Northern Colorado (22-8) in the second match of Thursday’s opening-round double-header at the Stan Sheriff Center.  In the first match, Oregon (21-9) plays Colorado State (23-5).

UH HOOPS:  Hawaii posted a 75-70 win over Pacific on Friday as forward Jonston Thomas celebrated his return to the starting lineup with a strong performance in limited time because of foul problems.

Freshman point guard Shaquille Stokes had 10 assists in his best game in a Hawaii uniform while sophomore forward Trevor Wiseman made some big plays down the stretch as UH evened its season record at 2-2.

A crowd of about 4,500 at the Stan Shcriff Center witnessed a rivalry preview for once UH joins the Big West Conference next season.

Zane Johnson scored a team-high 21 points for UH, he was 4-for-17 from the field.

Next for the Rainbows is a two-game road trip.  UH will face Pepperdine on Saturday and will meet Pacific in a rematch the following Tuesday.

WAHINE HOOPS:  The Rainbow Wahine basketball team has lost sixth straight following games versus three quality opponents during a weekend tournament at The Stanley.

On Friday, UH lost 69-54 to California.  On Saturday, it was a 60-43 setback against No. 22 Virginia.  On Sunday, No. 24 Texas trounced the Wahine 71-50.