UH's Hakala honored; MPSF tickets go on sale

His Saturday performance was considered the best in the league and country

When asked why Hawaii was able to pull out Game 5 on Saturday against Brigham Young, Lauri Hakala's response was simple.

"We are the better team," the junior outside hitter said.

Hawaii was not only the better team both nights against BYU, Hakala's performance in the two victories was considered the best in the league and country. Yesterday, he was named both the Sports Imports/AVCA Division I-II National and Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Player of the Week.

Hakala had a combined 34 kills, eight blocks and two aces to help the Warriors snap a six-match losing streak against the Cougars, as well as sweep the conference series between the two teams for the first time since 1996. Hawaii also finished the regular season on a 19-match winning streak.

This is the 15th national honor for a Warrior, the first since Matt Bender was honored on Feb. 27 of last season. The two wins over BYU kept Hawaii at No. 2, again behind top-ranked UC Irvine in yesterday's Coaches Top 15.

UC Irvine (27-3) received 15 first-place votes for 239 points with Hawaii (23-4) receiving the remaining vote and 225 points. Long Beach State (21-9) jumped from fifth to third, followed by Pepperdine (16-7), which also moved up two spots from sixth to fourth.

Hawaii will host an MPSF tournament quarterfinal match Saturday at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Warriors will play the winner of tomorrow's play-in match between No. 7 UCLA and No. 9 UC Santa Barbara.

Tickets for the quarterfinal went on sale today and are available at all UH ticket outlets, the UH Web site (www.HawaiiAthletics.com), or by calling 944-BOWS (2697). Prices for adults are $14 in the lower bowl and $11 in the upper level. Other upper-level prices are $9 for seniors, $5 for students ages 4-18, UH students and Super Rooters.