Instead, Hawaii answered the challenge, rebounding to down unranked San Diego State, 13-15, 15-5, 15-7, 15-11, at Peterson Gym last night. An overflow crowd of 1,565 saw the Wahine remain unbeaten at 18-0 overall, 7-0 in WAC; the host Aztecs fell to 10-8, 3-2.
"This is what we wanted when we came here, to get a win," said Hawaii junior block Angelica Ljungquist, just two blocks shy of her fifth career triple-double (23 kills, 12 digs, 8 blocks). "We had never talked about not losing a set. We just come out every night and prepare for a game.
"It was a tough win but we earned it. It feels really good."
Ljungquist credited the deft setting of Robin Ah Mow for keeping Hawaii's season unblemished. The senior setter had 57 assists in spreading the offense, with four hitters in double-figure kills: Ljungquist (23), Therese Crawford, (15), Cia Goods (14) and Joselyn Robins (10.).
"San Diego State made some good runs at us, but our players hung tough," Hawaii coach Dave Shoji said. "That's what needs to happen on the road when you play good teams. If you can withstand the runs and not let them take over, you'll win the match.
"I didn't like losing Game 1 but we came back with a good mindset the rest of the way."
The Wahine's string of six sweeps against WAC opponents was broken when Robins hit into the net to end Game 1. San Diego State outhit Hawaii, .255-.089. in Game 1.
Hawaii rebounded quickly in Game 2 behind Ljungquist's serving. The senior middle blocker had two of her match-high four aces during an 8-0 run that put the Wahine ahead, 11-4.
Chastity Nobriga's ace evened the match for Hawaii. The Wahine were not seriously threatened the rest of way, although the Aztecs rallied in Game 4 from 13-5 to 13-11.
A hitting error by Ginger Ernest gave Hawaii match point and Robins put down aloha ball to complete UH's 13th consecutive road victory.
"I think the team enjoyed the challenge," Shoji said. "I saw some frustration, but no panic."
Hawaii travels to UNLV for a match tomorrow (4:30 p.m. HST) against the Lady Rebels. UNLV (4-10, 2-2), which dissolved its program in 1985, has revived the sport under former Wahine All-American middle blocker Deitre Collins.
Saturday, the Wahine take on Air Force (2-11, 0-4), which upgraded its program from NCAA Division II. That match is scheduled for 3 p.m.