Sunday, September 2, 2001
[ WAHINE VOLLEYBALL ]
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Hawaii's Maja Gustin smashes a ball over Michigan's
Katrina Lehman for a point during last night's match
at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Wahine won 30-24,
24-30, 30-23, 30-14.
Wahine stuff Wolverines There wasn't a power failure last night at the Stan Sheriff Center, but the lights were definitely out.
Hawaii manages to get past Michigan
in a blockfest, draws UCLA tonight
in the tournament finalBy Grace Wen
gwen@starbulletin.comFifth-ranked Hawaii and Michigan put on a blocking show for the crowd of 5,501 at the 14th annual Hawaiian Airlines Classic that made it bleak for hitters on both teams.
The Wahine (2-2) squeaked by the Wolverines 30-24, 24-30, 30-23, 30-14 in two hours. Michigan outblocked Hawaii 8-7, but the Wahine outhit the Wolverines .223 to .160.
"It was a really ugly match," Hawaii coach Dave Shoji said. "(Michigan) played really well in the second game. Even when we were putting points on the board, they weren't crisp, solid points. It was just kind of sloppy.
"We're still a developing team. If you can still win and not play as well as you want to, I guess it's a good thing."
Nicole Poquette and Katrina Lehman put up the wall for Michigan with six and five blocks, respectively.
Hawaii outserved Michigan 10 aces to three. Melissa Villaroman fired three aces, while Tanja Nikolic and Margaret Vaksausau had two.
For the fourth straight match, Kim Willoughby was the Wahine's leading attacker with 20 kills. Nikolic added 19 kills and sparked the Wahine offense.
In Game 1, Hawaii and Michigan battled to an 8-8 tie. The Wahine took a 19-14 lead behind the hitting of Nikolic, who pounded two kills.
Nikolic was perfect in Game 1 with seven kills and no errors at a .636 clip. The Wolverines kept it close, but the Wahine pulled away to take Game 1.
Michigan opened Game 2 with six straight points, including two blocks by Katrina Lehman. The Wolverines led the entire game.
With Hedder Ilustre serving, the Wahine made a small run when they trailed 24-16.
The Wahine stuffed three straight as Hawaii closed to within three at 24-21.
But Michigan closed the door with two kills by Lehman and four Wahine hitting errors.
Hawaii plays UCLA tonight at 7 p.m.
The Bruins defeated Kansas State 30-25, 25-30, 30-25, 30-16 in less than two hours in last night's first match, to earn UCLA coach Andy Banachowski's 900th win.
Banachowski received a standing ovation at the end of last night's match.
"It was a little bit overwhelming the reception I've received," Banachowski said. "I'll be able to enjoy it a little bit tonight and then get to work on Hawaii. This is my last hundredth that I'm working on. Not that I'm retiring. The next one will be my thousandth."
UH Athletics
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