The top-ranked Rainbows got off to a slow start in each of the three games against San Diego State, but finished strong in polishing off the Aztecs, 15-8, 15-12, 15-9, in 76 minutes. It was the seventh straight win for UH, which improved to 20-1 overall and 14-0 in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation play.
More importantly, the Rainbows clinched a spot in next month's MPSF playoffs that include the top three teams from the Mountain and Pacific divisions and two teams with the next-best records.
Hawaii could clinch the Pacific Division title with three more victories, tonight (4 p.m. HST) against the Aztecs and two against UC San Diego Friday and Saturday.
"We came out slow but managed to take care of business," said Hawaii senior setter Erik Pichel, who played the first two games before yielding to junior Curt Vaughan.
"We can't be too disappointed that we won. We hope can can improve when we see them again. We're looking at coming out quicker and stronger."
The Rainbows showed off their strength and balance in Game 2 after falling behind 8-3. Aaron Wilton had three kills and several crucial digs, and Kahinu Lee, Jason Ring and Pichel had blocks on consecutive plays during a 9-1 run to put UH ahead, 12-9.
San Diego State (7-14, 2-11) closed to 12-11 but two Aztec hitting errors and Lee's ace gave Hawaii a 2-0 lead in games. In Game 3, reserve Troy Hotz served for five straight points as the Rainbows broke a 7-7 tie to take a 12-7 lead.
Yuval Katz was the only Rainbow in double kill figures with 19. Lars Winter led the Aztecs with 13.